C7 chord on piano
C Dominant Seventh. Notes: C, E, G and Bb.
How to play C7
- Find C at or above middle C. That is the root.
- Add E, G and Bb above it, skipping the keys in between.
- Right hand fingering: 1-2-3-5. Left hand: 5-3-2-1.
Notes
C7 inversions
An inversion moves the lowest note up an octave. Same notes, smoother jumps between chords.
Root position
C · E · G · Bb1st inversion
E · G · Bb · C2nd inversion
G · Bb · C · E3rd inversion
Bb · C · E · GNotes and theory
The dominant seventh adds a minor seventh to a major triad. It sounds restless and wants to resolve, which is why it shows up right before the home chord and all over blues. The formula is 1 3 5 b7, and you will also see it written as Cdom7.
Keys that use C7
More C chords
All C piano chordsdominant seventh chords in every key
Questions
What notes are in the C7 chord?
C7 (C dominant seventh) is made of four notes: C (root), E (major third), G (perfect fifth) and Bb (minor seventh).
How do you play C7 on piano?
Play C, E, G and Bb together. With the right hand use fingers 1-2-3-5; with the left hand use 5-3-2-1.
What are the inversions of C7?
Root position: C E G Bb. 1st inversion: E G Bb C. 2nd inversion: G Bb C E. 3rd inversion: Bb C E G.
What key is C7 in?
C7 belongs to 2 keys: F major (as the V7 chord) and D minor (as the VII7 chord).
What does a dominant seventh chord sound like?
The dominant seventh adds a minor seventh to a major triad. It sounds restless and wants to resolve, which is why it shows up right before the home chord and all over blues.