C# Dominant 7th Guitar Chord — Open G
Guitar chord voicings in Open G tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D)
C# Dominant 7th Voicings in Open G
C# Dominant 7th filtered by fret:
C# Dominant 7th in Open G Tuning — Guide
The C# Dominant 7th chord is made up of the following notes: C#, E#, G#, B.
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5P, 7m.
The C# Dominant 7th chord in Open G tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D) requires different fingerings than standard tuning.
The C# dominant seventh chord adds a minor seventh to a major triad, creating a four-note structure with intervals 1P, 3M, 5P, 7m and notes C#, E#, G#, B. This tension between the major third and the minor seventh gives dominant sevenths their restless, bluesy character — they want to resolve. They are the driving force behind blues progressions, jazz turnarounds, and classical cadences where harmonic motion demands forward momentum.
How to Play C# Dominant 7th
On guitar, C# 7 is most commonly played as a barre chord. The E-shape barre at fret 1 or the A-shape barre provide the two most practical voicings. Mastering barre chord technique unlocks this chord in every position along the neck, giving you freedom to play in any key.
C# Dominant 7th in Progressions
C# dominant seventh most commonly functions as the V7 in F# major or F# minor, creating a strong pull toward resolution. It also serves as the I7 in C# blues progressions and as a secondary dominant targeting other chords in a key.
Common Substitutions
C#9, C#13, or the tritone substitute G7 all work as alternatives, keeping the dominant function intact.
Difficulty: On guitar, this chord typically requires a barre — intermediate difficulty, but essential for playing in sharp keys.