Seventh Chords to Know for Intro to Music Theory

Seventh chords add depth and color to music, enhancing emotional expression. They come in various forms, each with unique qualities and functions, making them essential for creating rich harmonies in genres like jazz, blues, and pop.

1. Major Seventh Chord

   • Consists of a root, major third, perfect fifth, and major seventh.
   • Notated as "Maj7" or "Δ7" in chord symbols.
   • Creates a lush, jazzy sound often used in pop and jazz music.
   • Example: Cmaj7 = C - E - G - B.

2. Minor Seventh Chord

   • Comprised of a root, minor third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh.
   • Notated as "m7" in chord symbols.
   • Has a more somber and introspective quality compared to major seventh chords.
   • Example: Cm7 = C - Eb - G - Bb.

3. Dominant Seventh Chord

   • Formed by a root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh.
   • Notated as "7" in chord symbols.
   • Creates tension that typically resolves to a tonic chord, essential in blues and jazz.
   • Example: C7 = C - E - G - Bb.

4. Half-Diminished Seventh Chord

   • Contains a root, minor third, diminished fifth, and minor seventh.
   • Notated as "m7♭5" or "ø7" in chord symbols.
   • Often used in jazz and classical music to create a sense of unresolved tension.
   • Example: Bm7♭5 = B - D - F - A.

5. Fully Diminished Seventh Chord

   • Made up of a root, minor third, diminished fifth, and diminished seventh.
   • Notated as "dim7" or "°7" in chord symbols.
   • Produces a very tense and unstable sound, often leading to resolution.
   • Example: B°7 = B - D - F - Ab.

6. Minor-Major Seventh Chord

   • Composed of a root, minor third, perfect fifth, and major seventh.
   • Notated as "m(maj7)" in chord symbols.
   • Combines the somber quality of a minor chord with the brightness of a major seventh.
   • Example: Cm(maj7) = C - Eb - G - B.

7. Chord Construction and Intervals

   • Seventh chords are built by stacking thirds on top of a root note.
   • The intervals between the notes define the chord quality (major, minor, diminished).
   • Understanding intervals is crucial for identifying and constructing chords accurately.

8. Chord Inversions

   • Inversions change the bass note of a chord, affecting its sound and function.
   • Common inversions for seventh chords include root position, first inversion (3rd in bass), second inversion (5th in bass), and third inversion (7th in bass).
   • Inversions can create smoother voice leading in progressions.

9. Chord Symbols and Notation

   • Chord symbols provide a shorthand for musicians to read and play chords quickly.
   • Understanding the notation for seventh chords is essential for interpreting sheet music and lead sheets.
   • Familiarity with symbols helps in improvisation and composition.

10. Common Progressions Using Seventh Chords

    • Common progressions include ii-V-I, I-vi-ii-V, and I-IV7-V7.
    • Seventh chords often resolve to tonic chords, creating a sense of movement and resolution.
    • These progressions are foundational in jazz, blues, and popular music, enhancing harmonic richness.