Chords - 7th Chords ①
Learn the concept of 7th chords and the four representative types.
1. What are 7th Chords?
A 7th chord is formed by adding the 7th note to a triad, creating a richer sound. In various music genres such as pop and jazz, triads alone often lack fullness, so it's common to use 7th chords or add tensions for a fuller sound.
Typical 7th chords include Major 7th Chords and Minor 7th Chords, each with unique interval structures and sonic characteristics that add diverse musical colors to a piece.
Examples of the four common types of 7th chords
(Click the chords to hear their sounds!)
These four types are the most frequently used 7th chords, with the following precise names.
- Major 7th Chord
- Dominant 7th Chord
- Minor 7th Chord
- Half-Diminished 7th Chord
There are also other types such as Diminished 7th and Minor-Major 7th chords. This chapter will take a closer look at these four types one by one.
2. Major 7th Chord
A Major 7th chord is constructed by adding a major 7th interval to a major triad, consisting of root, major 3rd, perfect 5th, and major 7th. For example, C Major 7th consists of C (root), E (major 3rd), G (perfect 5th), and B (major 7th).
C Major 7th is commonly called 'C Major Seven' and notated as C Major7, Cmaj7, CM7, or C△7. In pop sheet music, CM7 is often used, while in jazz, C△7 (or C△) is common.
Major 7th chords have a clear and smooth tone, creating a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere. They are effective for producing dreamy and elegant moods.
Select a root note and explore the notes and sounds of the Major 7th chord!
3. Dominant 7th Chord
A Dominant 7th chord is built by adding a minor 7th interval to a major triad, consisting of root, major 3rd, perfect 5th, and minor 7th. For example, C Dominant 7th is C (root), E (major 3rd), G (perfect 5th), and B♭ (minor 7th).
C Dominant 7th is commonly called 'C Dominant Seven' or simply 'C Seven', and is usually notated as C7.
Dominant 7th chords have a tense and strong feel, with a tendency to resolve to the tonic chord.
Select a root note and explore the notes and sounds of the Dominant 7th chord!
4. Minor 7th Chord
A Minor 7th chord is formed by adding a minor 7th interval to a minor triad, consisting of root, minor 3rd, perfect 5th, and minor 7th. For example, A Minor 7th consists of A (root), C (minor 3rd), E (perfect 5th), and G (minor 7th).
A Minor 7th is commonly called 'A Minor Seven' and notated as Am7, A-7, or Amin7.
Minor 7th chords have a calm, soft, and emotional character, creating a delicate and deep atmosphere.
Select a root note and explore the notes and sounds of the Minor 7th chord!
5. Half-Diminished 7th Chord
A Half-Diminished 7th chord is constructed by adding a minor 7th interval to a diminished triad, consisting of root, minor 3rd, diminished 5th, and minor 7th. For example, B Half-Diminished 7th consists of B (root), D (minor 3rd), F (diminished 5th), and A (minor 7th).
B Half-Diminished 7th is also called 'B Half Diminished Seven', but more commonly known as 'B Minor Seven Flat Five'. In sheet music, Bm7♭5 is often used in pop music, while jazz notation may use Bø7 or Bø.
Half-Diminished 7th chords create an uneasy yet mysterious feel, adding a unique color with smooth tension in musical progressions.
Select a root note and explore the notes and sounds of the Half-Diminished 7th chord!