Seventh chords can be confusing to beginning piano students because there is more than one type of 7th chord. In fact there are six types of 7th chords.
The six types of 7th chords are Major 7th, minor 7th, Dominant 7th, Major/minor 7th, Diminished 7th and Half diminished 7th chords. They are played in different contexts and each have their own character and sound.
So What are 7th Chords?
A 7th chord is by definition a four note chord. It consists of a triad with the addition of a tone that is an interval of a 7th above the chord’s root.
When a “seventh chord” isn’t defined, it usually refers to a dominant seventh chord, which is made up of a major triad and a minor seventh tone.
However, variety of sevenths can be added to a variety of triads to produce a variety of seventh chords.
The Three Different Types of 7th Tones
Before we get into the different types of 7th chords, you should know there are three different types of 7th tones. There is the Major 7th tone, the minor 7th tone and the diminished 7th tone.
The Major 7th tone is the interval of a 7th above the chord’s root. This is referred to as a Major 7th tone. You can find the Major 7th by counting up 7 notes inclusively from the root.
The minor 7th tone is the interval of a minor 7th above the chord’s root. This is also referred to as a flatted 7th tone. You can find the minor 7th by counting up 7 notes inclusively from the root and then lowering the 7th tone a half step.
The diminished 7th tone is the interval of a diminished 7th above the root. It is only used in a fully diminished 7th chord.
What are 7th Chords
Technically speaking, 7th chords are extended chords in music. At one time, they were considered non chord tones but became more widely used in popular music. This is especially true when western music became more accepting of dissonance in harmony.
When jazz became the modern music of the time, practically every chord within jazz arrangements contained 7ths in them. Today, almost all popular songs have 7th chords. In fact, 7th chords are so common, they’re not really thought of as extended chords anymore.
Major 7th Chords
The Major 7th chord consists of a Major triad with the addition of the Major 7th tone. The Major 7th tone is an interval of a 7th above the chord’s root. The Major 7th chord has a smooth consonant sound. It’s used in pop and jazz music as well as other genres.
Minor 7th Chords
The Minor 7th chord consists of a Minor triad with the addition of the minor 7th tone. The minor 7th tone is an interval of a minor 7th above the chord’s root. The minor 7 chord creates a more somber mood. It’s very commonly used in R&B as well as Jazz and pop.
Dominant 7th Chords
The Dominant 7th chord consists of a Major triad with the addition of the minor 7th tone. The minor 7th tone is an interval of a minor 7th above the chord’s root. The dominant 7th chord has a dissonant sound. It’s a chord that’s indicative of blues music but has also found its way into other genres of music.
Minor/major 7th chords
The minor/Major 7th chord consists of a minor triad with the addition of the Major 7th tone. The Major 7th tone is an interval of a Major 7th above the chord’s root. It’s what is referred to as a mystery chord. Think of the resolution chord from the “James Bond” theme.
The minor/Major 7th chord is rarely used melodically but can be found in jazz pieces and even pop pieces. You’ll actually find it in the song “Something” by the Beatles.
Diminished 7th Chords
The diminished 7th chord consists of a diminished triad with the addition of a diminished 7th tone. The diminished 7th tone is an interval of a diminished 7th above the chord’s root.
A diminished 7th tone is easily found by locating the minor 7th and lowering it a half step. Not to be confused with the 6th tone, it’s so named because the 3rd, and 5th tones are lowered a half step. Adding the diminished 7th tone makes it a fully diminished 7th chord.
Half Diminished 7th Chords
The half diminished 7th chord consists of a diminished triad with the addition of a minor 7th tone. The minor 7th tone is an interval of a minor 7th above the chord’s root. This chord is also known as a minor 7th flat 5 chord.
Final Thoughts
Being well versed in these six types of 7th chords will provide you several harmonic options with your own music. Be aware that you have 12 Major and minor keys of music to play them in. Remember you also have the option to play them in different voicings.
Until next time, Go Play!
Greg Lee
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