A phrase in D minor
- Dm
- C7
- A7
- Dm
Hear C7 in a tonic–chord–dominant–tonic phrase. Its role depends on its position, not just its quality.
Discover the chord. Understand the music.
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Selected:C4E4G4B♭4
- Root
- 3rd / sus
- 5th
- 7th
- 6th / extensions
C7
C dominant seventh
A major triad with a minor seventh, creating tension that wants to resolve.
- Chord tones
- C1 · RootE3 · 3rdG5 · 5thB♭♭7 · 7th
- Formula
- 1–3–5–♭7
- Root / bass
- C / C
- Notes played (low → high)
- C4 · E4 · G4 · B♭4
C7 · dominant seventh
How to Use This Chord
Sound & role
Tension that can resolve a fourth upward to a major or minor chord.
Genre examples
Blues
Jazz
Pop
Examples of musical settings, not restrictions or claims about how often this chord appears.
Connection & passing potential
No specific chromatic passing use is established by these notes alone. A passing function requires a starting chord, a destination and voice movement.
Diatonic context · example keys
Every chord tone fits these example keys. Other keys may also fit; the chord root is not assumed to be the tonic.
D minor · VII7
natural minor
F major · V7
major