C7 chord with C Mixolydian scale

Pairing the C7 chord (Dominant 7) with the C Mixolydian scale: formulas, fretboard voicings and the practical context for soloing, improvisation and songwriting.

C7 chord formula

Interval formula: 1 3 5 b7. A major triad with a minor 7th. A tense chord that wants to resolve — the engine of tonal music and the backbone of the blues.

C Mixolydian scale formula

Formula: 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7. Classification: modal.

Fretboard voicings for C7

Curated C7 shapes that sit naturally inside the C Mixolydian scale.

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C7 — Drop 2, root on 6th string, frets 7–11
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C7 — Drop 2, root on 5th string, frets 2–6
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C7 — Drop 2, root on 4th string, frets 9–12

Other scales for C7

Compare how the same chord behaves over other compatible modes.

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