When musicians talk about seventh chords, they typically refer to the most common types: major seventh, minor seventh, and dominant seventh. But beyond these fundamental chords, there’s a whole world of less frequent seventh chords that add unique colors and emotions to music.
What Are Seventh Chords?
A seventh chord is a four-note chord that consists of a triad plus an additional note a seventh above the root. The common ones include:
- Major seventh (Maj7) – Root, major third, perfect fifth, and major seventh.
- Minor seventh (m7) – Root, minor third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh.
- Dominant seventh (7) – Root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh.
Less Common Seventh Chords You Should Know
1. Minor Major Seventh (mMaj7)
This chord consists of a minor triad with a major seventh. It has an unsettling yet sophisticated sound, often used in jazz and film music. You can hear it in pieces like My Funny Valentine.
2. Half-Diminished Seventh (m7♭5)
Also known as a minor seven flat five, this chord is a diminished triad with a minor seventh. It plays a crucial role in jazz progressions, especially in ii-V-I movements.
3. Fully Diminished Seventh (dim7)
This eerie-sounding chord consists of a diminished triad with a diminished seventh. It is symmetrical, meaning it divides the octave into equal parts, making it useful for modulating between keys.
4. Augmented Seventh (7#5)
This dominant chord has an augmented fifth, adding a sense of tension that begs for resolution. It’s a favorite in jazz and modern classical compositions.
5. Dominant Seventh Flat Nine (7♭9)
Often found in jazz and blues, this chord adds a minor ninth to a dominant seventh chord, creating a rich, complex sound.
How to Use These Chords in Your Music
Understanding these seventh chords is just the beginning. Applying them effectively can elevate your compositions and improvisations:
- Try using a minor major seventh chord to add tension before resolving to a major chord.
- Use a half-diminished seventh as a passing chord in jazz progressions.
- Experiment with the fully diminished seventh for dramatic modulations.
- Incorporate the augmented seventh in blues for extra color.
Finding and Practicing Seventh Chords
If you ever struggle to remember or find a specific seventh chord, using a tool like Piano Companion can make the process much easier. This app allows you to explore chord shapes, inversions, and progressions to help solidify your understanding.
Final Thoughts
While major, minor, and dominant sevenths are the foundation of many styles, exploring less frequent seventh chords can open up new musical possibilities. Whether you’re composing jazz, classical, or pop music, these chords provide fresh textures and emotions that enhance your musical storytelling.
What are your favorite seventh chords to use? Let’s discuss in the comments below!