Chords - Seventh Chords ①
Learn the concept of seventh chords and the four representative types.
1. What are Seventh Chords?
A seventh chord is formed by adding the seventh 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 seventh chords or add tensions for a fuller sound.
Typical seventh chords include Major Seventh Chords and Minor Seventh Chords, each with unique interval structures and sonic characteristics that add diverse musical colors to a piece.
This score shows four types of seventh chords (CM7, C7, Cm7, Cm7b5) and plays their sounds when clicked.
Examples of the four common types of seventh chords
(Click the chords to hear their sounds!)
These four types are the most frequently used seventh chords, with the following precise names.
- Major Seventh Chord
- Dominant Seventh Chord
- Minor Seventh Chord
- Half-Diminished Seventh Chord
There are also other types such as Diminished Seventh and Minor-Major Seventh chords. This chapter will take a closer look at these four types one by one.
2. Major Seventh Chord
A Major Seventh chord is constructed by adding a major seventh interval to a major triad, consisting of root, major 3rd, perfect 5th, and major 7th. For example, C Major Seventh consists of C (root), E (major 3rd), G (perfect 5th), and B (major 7th).
C Major Seventh 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 Seventh chords have a clear and smooth tone, creating a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere. They are effective for producing dreamy and elegant moods.
This music score dynamically displays chords based on the selected root and chord type, and plays the corresponding sound.
Select a root note and explore the notes and sounds of the Major Seventh chord!
3. Dominant Seventh Chord
A Dominant Seventh chord is built by adding a minor seventh interval to a major triad, consisting of root, major 3rd, perfect 5th, and minor 7th. For example, C Dominant Seventh is C (root), E (major 3rd), G (perfect 5th), and B♭ (minor 7th).
C Dominant Seventh is commonly called 'C Dominant Seven' or simply 'C Seven', and is usually notated as C7.
Dominant Seventh chords have a tense and strong feel, with a tendency to resolve to the tonic chord.
This music score dynamically displays chords based on the selected root and chord type, and plays the corresponding sound.
Select a root note and explore the notes and sounds of the Dominant Seventh chord!
4. Minor Seventh Chord
A Minor Seventh chord is formed by adding a minor seventh interval to a minor triad, consisting of root, minor 3rd, perfect 5th, and minor 7th. For example, A Minor Seventh consists of A (root), C (minor 3rd), E (perfect 5th), and G (minor 7th).
A Minor Seventh is commonly called 'A Minor Seven' and notated as Am7, A-7, or Amin7.
Minor Seventh chords have a calm, soft, and emotional character, creating a delicate and deep atmosphere.
This music score dynamically displays chords based on the selected root and chord type, and plays the corresponding sound.
Select a root note and explore the notes and sounds of the Minor Seventh chord!
5. Half-Diminished Seventh Chord
A Half-Diminished Seventh chord is constructed by adding a minor seventh interval to a diminished triad, consisting of root, minor 3rd, diminished 5th, and minor 7th. For example, B Half-Diminished Seventh consists of B (root), D (minor 3rd), F (diminished 5th), and A (minor 7th).
B Half-Diminished Seventh 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 Seventh chords create an uneasy yet mysterious feel, adding a unique color with smooth tension in musical progressions.
This music score dynamically displays chords based on the selected root and chord type, and plays the corresponding sound.
Select a root note and explore the notes and sounds of the Half-Diminished Seventh chord!