To understand different types of seventh chords, we first need to know how they are built. A seventh chord is made up of a triad, which is three notes, plus one extra note that is a seventh above the root note. Let's take a look at the four main kinds of seventh chords:
How It's Made: This chord uses a minor triad with a major seventh.
Example: For an A minor seventh chord, we have:
When you play A, C, E, and G together, you get Am7.
How It's Made: This chord has a major triad with a minor seventh.
Example: For a G dominant seventh chord, we have:
When you combine G, B, D, and F, you create G7.
How It's Made: This chord consists of a minor triad with a major seventh.
Example: For a B minor major seventh chord, we have:
When you play B, D, F#, and A together, you get Bm(maj7).
Listen for the Feel: Each seventh chord gives off a different "feel" or mood. For instance, Maj7 sounds jazzy and bright, while m7 feels more serious.
Look at the Keyboard: If you're at a piano, check the distance between the notes. Major sevenths are two whole steps above the fifth note, while minor sevenths are a whole step and a half step below the major seventh.
Practice Chord Sequences: Get used to common chord patterns that use these seventh chords. One popular sequence is ii-V-I, which includes a minor chord going to a dominant chord, then landing on a major chord.
Getting to know these seventh chords will help you use them better in your music!
To understand different types of seventh chords, we first need to know how they are built. A seventh chord is made up of a triad, which is three notes, plus one extra note that is a seventh above the root note. Let's take a look at the four main kinds of seventh chords:
How It's Made: This chord uses a minor triad with a major seventh.
Example: For an A minor seventh chord, we have:
When you play A, C, E, and G together, you get Am7.
How It's Made: This chord has a major triad with a minor seventh.
Example: For a G dominant seventh chord, we have:
When you combine G, B, D, and F, you create G7.
How It's Made: This chord consists of a minor triad with a major seventh.
Example: For a B minor major seventh chord, we have:
When you play B, D, F#, and A together, you get Bm(maj7).
Listen for the Feel: Each seventh chord gives off a different "feel" or mood. For instance, Maj7 sounds jazzy and bright, while m7 feels more serious.
Look at the Keyboard: If you're at a piano, check the distance between the notes. Major sevenths are two whole steps above the fifth note, while minor sevenths are a whole step and a half step below the major seventh.
Practice Chord Sequences: Get used to common chord patterns that use these seventh chords. One popular sequence is ii-V-I, which includes a minor chord going to a dominant chord, then landing on a major chord.
Getting to know these seventh chords will help you use them better in your music!