20 C7 Chords

 

20 C7 Chords (20C7Chords.shtml) | Updated: 21-Jul-2008 - 11:25

20 C7 Chords

 

Building a Solid
Contemporary Chord Foundation

Do you know at least 20 different 4-part C7 chords?

If NOT your chord foundation is on shakey ground. Contemporary or "Jazz" chords are based on 4-part harmony. It is these 4-part chords that are used for melody and chord and comping.

There are four voicings available on many different four string combinations. The most common string combinations (families) are stringS 1 2 3 4, 2 3 4 5, 3 4 5 6, 1 2 3 5 and 2 3 4 6. A minimium "CORE" set of voicings to memorize are on string families 1 2 3 4, 2 3 4 5, 2 3 4 6 and 3 4 5 6.

Starting with a Dominant Seventh chord, a major chord type, which is built from the Root, third, fifth and flat seventh of a major scale and using C as the root we have the notes C E G and Bb.

Here are the first 4 (C7) chords using string family 1 2 3 4.

Two Practicing and Learning Approaches

Here are two approaches for learning the 4-part chords. My recommendation is to first take the systemized approach. This makes the practical application much easier and your have more choices for application.

Note: If one can delay immediate gratification of the "Practical Approach", the "Systemized Approach" will give you the ability to create your own, broader, practical applications.

Systemized Approach

Learn all Inversions: This page will take you thru ALL inversions on strings 1234 and in all 12 keys.

Practical Application

To puts these to use right away playing a basic blues progression using a simple comping pattern. Inversions and rhythm are indicated.

C Blues - Basic I IV V


To goal here is to play a different voicing in each measure. By transposing the C7 voicings to F7 (up 5 frets) and G7 (up 2 frets from F7). Just move to the closest next voicing up or down the fingerboard. Be sure to explore all 4 voicings for the C7, F7 and G7 chords.

Medium Tempo

Slow Tempo

Chart with TAB and sample Bass line
Download a a PDF version.

You'll need a copy of Adobe®: Acrobat® reader (version 3.0 or higher) to view or print the PDF file. If you don't already have a copy, or if you have an older version, you can get the latest reader for free from Adobe.

For a more information and a sample (PDF) chapter on these 4-part chords and voice leading check out my book series Advanced Guitar to Guitar Chords (3 volumes) and the Advanced Guitar to Chord Progressions for Guitar Vol I at my compainion web site www.jazzquitarresource.com estore.

More comping examples...

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You'll need a copy of Adobe®: Acrobat® reader (version 3.0 or higher) to view or print the PDF file. If you don't already have a copy, or if you have an older version, you can get the latest reader for free from Adobe.

Lessons are intended FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY

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Curt Sheller is the author of over 30 books on guitar, ukulele and music. A jazz guitarist and educator with over 40 years playing experience and 20 years teaching. Curt's JazzGuitarResources.com and UkuleleResources.com web sites are considered the top resource for jazz guitarists and ukulele players. Get a FREE subscription to Curt's newsletter.

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All Curt Sheller lessons are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License.

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Lesson: 4-part Chord Comping (20C7Chords.shtml) | Updated: 2008 Jul 21 - 11:25

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