C7

Q: What notes are in the C7 chord?

The C7 chord (C Dominant 7) contains: C, E, G, Bb. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build C7 on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is C7 found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for C7?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

C Dominant 7

Octaves

Musical context

ChordC majorTriad

ChordC7C Dominant 7

ArpeggioC majorBroken triad

ScaleC major7 notes

KeyC majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: C Dominant 7
Symbol: C7
Root: C
Quality: Dominant 7

Chord notes

1Croot

3Emajor 3rd

5Gperfect 5th

b7Bbminor 7th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: VDominant (V)F major
Stability / tension: High tension — requires resolution
Most common resolutions: FF Major DmD Minor
Unstable degrees: 3E
4F
resolves up to the resolution tonic
6A
b7A#
resolves down to the tonic 3rd
Main resolution: C7source
FF Major
Dominant 7th C7 naturally resolves up a 4th to F. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.
Other resolutions: C7source
Deceptive resolution
DmD Minor
Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.
C7source
Modal resolution
A#A# Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
C7source
Jazz reharmonization
F#7F# Dominant 7
Tritone substitution: C7 can be replaced by F#7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.
C7source
Functional resolution
Csus4C Sus4
The dominant can resolve beyond the tonic: moving to IV (subdominant) or to a suspension (sus4) are common alternatives in pop and folk music.

Substitutions

Tritone substitution: F#7F# Dominant 7

Features

Character: Dominant, tense
Characteristic interval: Dominant 7th (b7)
Description: The minor 7th adds dissonance to a major triad. On scale degree V, the chord’s 3rd and 7th form a tritone that directs the voices toward tonic.
Application: V chord in major (resolves to I)
12-bar blues
Rock, Mixolydian