Minor seventh chord (m7) on guitar
Cm7 is the minor seventh chord: C, Eb, G and Bb (1–b3–5–b7). On guitar, the diagram shape is x 3 5 3 4 3, with C in the bass.
On the guitar, six strings give the chord room to breathe — some positions use them all, others ask you to mute the lowest ones. In this Cm7 voicing the bass is C and the shape runs from fret 3 to 5. Its hollow wooden body gives every chord a warm, natural ring that blooms and fades on its own.
Cm7 on guitar: shapes and notes →
Notes and formula of Cm7
Notes in Cm7: C – Eb – G – BbFormula: 1 – b3 – 5 – b7In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.
Where to use it
In pop and MPB it is the most common 'support' minor chord — the one that holds the harmony together without calling attention to itself. A classic example is Dm7Dm7Dm7Dm7 calling for G7G7G7G7 in the key of C, that is, setting the stage for the music to return to its main chord.
See also
Part of the Sevenths family.