The notation for C dominant 7 is commonly C7. This symbol concisely represents a specific four-note chord fundamental to Western music theory.
Understanding the C7 Chord
A dominant 7th chord is a four-note chord built on the fifth degree (dominant) of a major scale. Its distinctive sound, often described as having a "bluesy" or "resolving" quality, comes from the specific interval combination. For the C dominant 7th chord, or C7, the notes are derived from the C major scale but with a lowered (minor) seventh.
Notes of the C7 Chord
The C7 chord is composed of the following notes:
- C (Root)
- E (Major Third)
- G (Perfect Fifth)
- B♭ (Minor Seventh)
This combination of a major triad (C-E-G) with a minor seventh (B♭) creates the characteristic dominant 7th sound.
Intervals of the C7 Chord
From the root note C, the intervals that form the C7 chord are:
| Interval | Note |
|---|---|
| Root | C |
| Major Third | E |
| Perfect Fifth | G |
| Minor Seventh | B♭ |
Inversions of the C7 Chord
An inversion occurs when a note other than the root is the lowest-sounding note of the chord. The C7 chord has three inversions, each presenting the same notes but in a different order, altering the chord's foundational sound:
- First Inversion (C7/E): E G B♭ C (The third of the chord, E, is in the bass)
- Second Inversion (C7/G): G B♭ C E (The fifth of the chord, G, is in the bass)
- Third Inversion (C7/B♭): B♭ C E G (The minor seventh of the chord, B♭, is in the bass)
Understanding these inversions allows for greater melodic and harmonic flexibility in musical compositions and improvisations. For further study on the structure and application of dominant 7th chords, a resource like muted.io's C7 chord guide can provide additional insights.
