7th

Definition

In music, a 7th refers to an interval or chord that spans seven scale degrees, creating a unique sound and function in harmony. This interval can be either major or minor and is crucial for building complex chords, especially in jazz and classical music. The 7th can lead to various resolutions and adds depth to musical progressions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The interval of a 7th can be either a major 7th or a minor 7th, which determines the overall quality of the sound.
2. In Western music theory, the dominant 7th chord is one of the most commonly used chords for creating tension before resolving to the tonic chord.
3. Seventh chords can be further altered to create different tensions, such as adding a sharp or flat ninth, which enhances their harmonic complexity.
4. The inclusion of 7ths in chords allows for richer textures and more interesting voice leading in both composition and arrangement.
5. Understanding how to recognize and utilize 7ths is essential for effective improvisation and chord progression in various musical styles.

Review Questions

• How does the quality of the 7th interval (major vs. minor) affect its function in harmony?
  • The quality of the 7th interval significantly influences its role in harmony. A major 7th creates a feeling of stability and warmth, often found in more serene musical passages. In contrast, a minor 7th introduces a sense of tension or unresolved emotion, making it effective for leading into other chords. Musicians often choose between these two qualities based on the desired emotional impact within their compositions.
• Discuss the role of dominant 7th chords in chord progressions and their typical resolution.
  • Dominant 7th chords play a pivotal role in establishing tension within chord progressions. They are formed by combining a major triad with a minor seventh, which creates an unresolved feeling that naturally leads back to the tonic chord. This resolution is fundamental to Western tonal music, where the movement from dominant to tonic reinforces the sense of closure and finality in a piece.
• Evaluate how the use of 7ths can transform a basic triad into more complex harmonic structures, and why this is significant for contemporary music composition.
  • Incorporating 7ths into basic triads elevates them into more intricate harmonic structures, allowing composers to explore richer textures and emotional nuances. This transformation is significant for contemporary music as it opens avenues for innovative chord progressions and improvisational techniques. By understanding how to manipulate these intervals, musicians can break away from traditional sounds and create unique styles that resonate with diverse audiences.

Related terms

Major 7th: A major 7th interval consists of a root note and a major seventh above it, producing a rich and stable sound often found in jazz harmony.

Minor 7th: A minor 7th interval includes a root note and a minor seventh above it, creating a darker tone that is frequently used in various musical genres.

Dominant 7th Chord: A dominant 7th chord combines a major triad with a minor seventh, creating tension that typically resolves to the tonic chord in harmonic progressions.