---
title: "Dominant Seventh Chord — AP Music Theory Definition"
description: "A dominant seventh chord stacks a major triad plus a minor seventh (V7). Learn how it drives tension to tonic and how AP Music Theory tests it in Units 3 and 5."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-music-theory/key-terms/dominant-seventh-chord"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Music Theory"
---

# Dominant Seventh Chord — AP Music Theory Definition

## Definition

A dominant seventh chord is a four-note chord that consists of a root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh above the root. This chord plays a crucial role in tonal music by creating tension that typically resolves to the tonic, providing a strong sense of direction and movement in harmonic progressions.

## Related Study Guides

- [Unit 3 Overview: Music Fundamentals III (Triads and Seventh Chords)](/ap-music-theory/unit-3/review/study-guide/8KRnfxTn9yljCCoxExqc)
- [3.1 Triad and Chord Qualities (M, m, d, A)](/ap-music-theory/unit-3/triad-chord-qualities-m-m-d-a/study-guide/C2Wj35yXuDEj0tYdyQcc)
- [3.2 Diatonic Chords and Roman Numerals](/ap-music-theory/unit-3/diatonic-chords-roman-numerals/study-guide/ROGfWcFThaDu0yMJWgCE)
- [5.1 Adding Predominant Function IV (iv) and ii (ii0) to a Melodic Phrase](/ap-music-theory/unit-5/adding-predominant-function-iv-iv-ii-ii0-melodic-phrase/study-guide/k9mbg8yvU736povWYW7W)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Tonic](/ap-music-theory/key-terms/tonic): The tonic is the first scale degree of a key and serves as the home base or resolution point for musical phrases.
- [Subdominant](/ap-music-theory/key-terms/subdominant): The subdominant is the fourth scale degree of a key, often leading to the dominant chord in harmonic progressions.
- [Leading Tone](/ap-music-theory/key-terms/leading-tone): The leading tone is the seventh scale degree that creates tension and leads into the tonic, often found in dominant seventh chords.

### Key Facts

- The dominant seventh chord is notated as V7 in Roman numeral analysis and includes both major and minor intervals.
- In the key of C major, the dominant seventh chord is G-B-D-F, where G is the root.
- Dominant seventh chords create a strong pull towards the tonic chord, commonly used in cadences.
- The minor seventh interval in a dominant seventh chord adds complexity and richness to the sound, enhancing its resolving function.
- You can also find altered dominant chords, where one or more notes are changed to create different tensions and colors.

### How does a dominant seventh chord function within a harmonic progression?

A dominant seventh chord functions as a tension-building element in harmonic progressions, typically resolving to the tonic. Its structure creates an urge for resolution due to the presence of both the leading tone and the minor seventh interval. When played before the tonic chord, it establishes a strong sense of closure and satisfaction in music.

### Compare the role of the dominant seventh chord with that of predominant chords like IV and ii in tonal music.

The dominant seventh chord serves as a tension point that resolves to the tonic, while predominant chords like IV and ii prepare this resolution. IV (subdominant) and ii (supertonic) create a sense of movement toward V (dominant), which then leads into I (tonic). While predominant chords set up the need for resolution, the dominant seventh chord heightens that need right before finally resolving.

### Evaluate how altering notes in a dominant seventh chord can change its harmonic function and emotional impact within a piece.

Altering notes in a dominant seventh chord can significantly affect its harmonic function and emotional impact. For example, changing the fifth or adding a sharp ninth creates altered dominant chords that introduce unique tensions and colors. These alterations can evoke different emotions and lead to unexpected resolutions or transitions, allowing composers to craft more complex harmonic narratives within their music.