Which notes are in the C#7 chord?

C#7 contains the notes C#, F, G# and B. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7.

Are C#7 and Db7 the same chord?

Yes. C#7 and Db7 are enharmonically identical — the spelling differs but the frets and keys are the same. Which name is used depends on the key of the piece.

C# dominant 7th · Piano

C#7 Chord on Piano

The C#7 chord (C# dominant 7th) is built from the notes C#, F, G# and B. The keyboard diagram below shows exactly which keys to press. The same chord is also written Db7; both spellings sound identical.

Chord diagrams

C#7

Notes in this chord

C♯
F
G♯
B

Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7

Also written: Db7

How to play

To play C#7 on piano, press C#, F, G# and B together. In root position the lowest note is C#, and the finger numbers follow the keys left to right in the diagram.

Theory behind the chord

Dominant seventh chords add a minor seventh on top of a major triad. The tension between the third and the seventh is what makes them pull towards the chord a fourth above — the engine of blues and jazz turnarounds. On C#7 this structure sits on the root C#, so the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 map onto C#, F, G# and B.

Frequently asked questions

Which notes are in the C#7 chord?: C#7 contains the notes C#, F, G# and B. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7.
Are C#7 and Db7 the same chord?: Yes. C#7 and Db7 are enharmonically identical — the spelling differs but the frets and keys are the same. Which name is used depends on the key of the piece.

Practise C#7 on your phone

Minory bundles the full chord library with a tuner, metronome and repertoire notebook — and it all works offline.