Next level Playing - 7th Chords

Major 7th Interval vs. Major 7th Chord

• Major 7th interval consists of 11 half steps between the two notes.
• Major 7th chord is formed by a root, major third, perfect fifth, and a major seventh.

Minor 7th Interval vs. Minor 7th Chord

• Minor 7th interval has 10 half steps.
• Minor 7th chord includes a root, minor third, perfect fifth, and a minor seventh.

Dominant 7th Chord

• The term “Dominant 7th chord” refers to a Major chord with a minor seventh added.
• It serves a strong resolution function in Western music.

Functions of Chords

• Major 7th chord comprises the functions of a major triad plus the major seventh.
• Minor 7th chord consists of a minor triad plus the minor seventh.
• Dominant 7th chord contains a major triad and a minor seventh.

Intervals

• The Minor 7th chord spans an interval that includes a minor seventh (10 half steps).
• The Dominant 7th chord comprises a major triad and a minor seventh interval.

Major 7th Interval

• The Major 7th interval consists of 11 half steps.

Chord Definitions

• A Minor 7th chord has the notes of a minor triad plus a minor seventh.
• A Dominant 7th chord is essential in creating tension in musical progressions.

Note Sequences

• The note sequence for a Cmaj7 chord consists of C, E, G, and B.
• The note sequence for a Cm7 chord includes C, E♭, G, and B♭.

Fill in the Blanks

• The Major 7th interval is 1 tone lower than the high note of the octave.
• The Dominant 7th chord is a Major chord with the minor 7th interval added.
• The Minor 7th interval is 1 tone lower than the high note of the octave.
• The most commonly seen 7th chords are Major 7th, Minor 7th, and Dominant 7th.
• By adapting these chords to become extended chords, you can play them anywhere.
• The 5th interval can often be left out of any chord, especially if you’re adding other tensions.