5.4 Seventh chords and their inversions
7 min read•august 20, 2024
chords expand triads by adding a fourth note, creating richer harmonies. These chords come in various types: major, minor, dominant, diminished, and half-diminished. Each type has a unique sound and function in musical compositions.
Understanding seventh chords is crucial for analyzing and creating complex harmonies. They can be inverted, providing smooth and harmonic motion. Seventh chords are essential in various genres, from classical to jazz and popular music.
Seventh chord types
- Seventh chords expand upon triads by adding a fourth note, the seventh, which creates a richer harmonic texture
- The quality of the seventh chord depends on the intervals between the , , , and seventh degrees of the chord
Major seventh chords
Top images from around the web for Major seventh chords
Musicianship Resources – Horton School of Music – Charleston Southern University View original
Is this image relevant?
theory - Chord symbols for inversions of 7th chords - Music: Practice & Theory Stack Exchange View original
Is this image relevant?
Fin de Siècle Harmony – A Jazz Perspective – Engaging Students, Vol. 4 View original
Is this image relevant?
Musicianship Resources – Horton School of Music – Charleston Southern University View original
Is this image relevant?
theory - Chord symbols for inversions of 7th chords - Music: Practice & Theory Stack Exchange View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Major seventh chords
Musicianship Resources – Horton School of Music – Charleston Southern University View original
Is this image relevant?
theory - Chord symbols for inversions of 7th chords - Music: Practice & Theory Stack Exchange View original
Is this image relevant?
Fin de Siècle Harmony – A Jazz Perspective – Engaging Students, Vol. 4 View original
Is this image relevant?
Musicianship Resources – Horton School of Music – Charleston Southern University View original
Is this image relevant?
theory - Chord symbols for inversions of 7th chords - Music: Practice & Theory Stack Exchange View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Consist of a major triad with a major seventh interval above the root (root, major third, perfect fifth, major seventh)
- Commonly built on the I and IV degrees of a major scale (, Fmaj7 in C major)
- Produce a bright, expansive sound often used in jazz and popular music to create a sense of or sophistication
Minor seventh chords
- Formed by adding a minor seventh interval to a minor triad (root, minor third, perfect fifth, minor seventh)
- Naturally occur on the ii, iii, and vi degrees of a major scale (Dm7, Em7, Am7 in C major)
- Evoke a melancholic, introspective mood and are frequently used in various musical genres
Dominant seventh chords
- Built on a major triad with a minor seventh interval above the root (root, major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh)
- Found on the V degree of a major or minor scale ( in C major or C minor)
- Create a strong sense of and resolution, making them essential in establishing harmonic motion and cadences
Diminished seventh chords
- Constructed using a diminished triad and a diminished seventh interval (root, minor third, diminished fifth, diminished seventh)
- Symmetrical structure with each note separated by a minor third interval
- Often used as passing chords or to create a sense of instability and tension in musical passages
Half-diminished seventh chords
- Combine a diminished triad with a minor seventh interval (root, minor third, diminished fifth, minor seventh)
- Naturally occur on the vii° degree of a major scale ((b5) in C major) and the ii° degree of a minor scale (Dm7(b5) in C minor)
- Serve as a pre-dominant function chord, often leading to a dominant chord or cadence
Constructing seventh chords
- Seventh chords can be built by stacking thirds or by adding a seventh to an existing triad
- The quality of the seventh chord is determined by the intervals between the notes
Triad plus seventh
- Start with a triad (major, minor, diminished, or augmented) and add a seventh interval above the root
- The type of seventh (major, minor, or diminished) determines the overall quality of the seventh chord
Diatonic seventh chords
- Seventh chords that occur naturally within a given key or scale
- In major keys, diatonic seventh chords include IMaj7, iim7, iiim7, IVMaj7, V7, vim7, and vii°7
- Minor keys contain im7, ii°7, bIIIMaj7, ivm7, V7, bVIMaj7, and VII7
Altered seventh chords
- Seventh chords with one or more notes modified by accidentals, creating a chord that is not diatonic to the key
- Examples include the dominant seventh flat five (G7(b5)), the major seventh sharp eleven (CMaj7(#11)), and the minor-major seventh (CmMaj7)
- Used to add color, tension, and variety to harmonic progressions
Seventh chord inversions
- Seventh chords can be played in or inverted by placing a different chord tone in the bass
- Inversions provide smooth voice leading and create a sense of harmonic motion
Root position
- The standard form of a seventh chord, with the root note in the bass and the other chord tones stacked above in thirds
- Provides a strong, stable foundation for the chord
First inversion
- The third of the chord is placed in the bass, with the root, fifth, and seventh above
- Creates a sense of upward motion and can smooth out bass lines
Second inversion
- The fifth of the chord is in the bass, with the root, third, and seventh above
- Often used as a passing chord or to create a sense of descending motion
Third inversion
- The seventh of the chord is placed in the bass, with the root, third, and fifth above
- Commonly used as a passing chord or to delay resolution to the tonic
Figured bass for seventh chords
- A system of notation using numbers to indicate intervals above the bass note, representing chord inversions and non-chord tones
- Figured bass is essential for analyzing and realizing harmonic progressions in Baroque and early Classical music
Figured bass symbols
- 7: root position seventh chord
- 6/5: seventh chord
- 4/3: seventh chord
- 4/2: seventh chord
Inversion symbols
- The figured bass symbols can be combined with accidentals to indicate raised or lowered intervals
- For example, a 4/2 with a sharp sign (#) next to the 2 indicates a raised second degree (e.g., C#) in the third inversion of a seventh chord
Voice leading with seventh chords
- Voice leading techniques help create smooth, logical connections between chords while minimizing awkward leaps and maintaining independence of voices
- Proper voice leading is crucial for creating cohesive and expressive harmonic progressions
Common tone resolution
- When two adjacent chords share a common tone, keep that tone in the same voice to create a smooth connection
- Example: In the progression CMaj7 to Dm7, the note C is common to both chords and can be held in the same voice
Tendency tones in seventh chords
- Certain tones within seventh chords have strong tendencies to resolve in specific directions
- The seventh of a (e.g., F in G7) has a strong pull to resolve down by step to the third of the tonic chord (E in CMaj7)
- The third of a dominant seventh chord (B in G7) tends to resolve up by step to the root of the tonic chord (C in CMaj7)
Parallel vs contrary motion
- Parallel motion occurs when two or more voices move in the same direction by the same interval, which can be effective but may result in undesirable parallel fifths or octaves
- Contrary motion, where voices move in opposite directions, helps maintain independence and avoid parallel intervals
- Aim for a balance of parallel, similar, and contrary motion when voice leading seventh chords
Seventh chords in progressions
- Seventh chords add depth and complexity to harmonic progressions, creating richer emotional expressions and more interesting chord sequences
- Common progressions featuring seventh chords include the circle of fifths, deceptive resolutions, and non-dominant seventh chord movements
Circle of fifths progressions
- A sequence of chords moving by descending perfect fifths (or ascending perfect fourths), creating a strong sense of harmonic motion
- Example: Dm7 - G7 - CMaj7, where each chord is a fifth apart and the progression resolves to the tonic
Deceptive resolutions
- A deceptive resolution occurs when a dominant seventh chord resolves to a chord other than the expected tonic, often the submediant (vi) or submediamt (VI)
- Example: G7 resolving to Am (vi) instead of the expected C (I), creating a sense of surprise and prolonging the harmonic tension
Non-dominant seventh chords
- While dominant seventh chords are the most common, other types of seventh chords can be used in progressions for variety and color
- Example: The "ii-V-I" progression in jazz often uses a on the ii degree, as in Dm7 - G7 - CMaj7
Seventh chords in musical context
- Seventh chords have been used in various musical styles and genres throughout history, each with its own conventions and characteristics
- Understanding how seventh chords function in different contexts helps musicians analyze, interpret, and create music more effectively
Seventh chords in classical music
- In the Baroque era, seventh chords were often used as suspensions and passing chords within a figured bass framework
- Classical composers like Mozart and Beethoven employed seventh chords to create harmonic tension and resolution, particularly in cadences and modulations
Seventh chords in jazz harmony
- Jazz music heavily relies on seventh chords to create its distinctive harmonic language and improvisation platforms
- Extended chords like ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth chords are built upon seventh chord foundations
- Altered seventh chords and chromatic substitutions are common in jazz to add color and complexity
Seventh chords in popular music
- Popular music genres, such as rock, pop, and R&B, use seventh chords to add depth and sophistication to chord progressions
- Dominant seventh chords are often used in blues and rock to create a sense of tension and release
- Major and minor seventh chords are frequently used in ballads and slow songs to evoke emotional depth and introspection
Key Terms to Review (26)
Bm7: The bm7 chord, or B minor 7, is a four-note chord consisting of the root (B), minor third (D), perfect fifth (F#), and minor seventh (A). This chord is often used in various musical styles to create a more complex and rich sound, and it can also function as a versatile addition to many chord progressions.
C Major Scale Seventh Chords: C Major scale seventh chords are built by stacking thirds on top of each note in the C Major scale, resulting in a series of four-note chords that each consist of a root, third, fifth, and seventh. This structure allows for the creation of various chord types, including major, minor, and diminished seventh chords, which are essential for harmonic progression and texture in music.
Chromaticism: Chromaticism refers to the use of notes outside the traditional diatonic scale, creating a richer palette of sounds and greater emotional expression in music. This technique can enhance harmony, add tension, and create smooth transitions between chords. By incorporating chromatic notes, musicians can explore new melodic ideas and develop more intricate musical phrases.
Cmaj7: The cmaj7 chord, or C major seventh chord, is a four-note chord that consists of the root note C, the major third E, the perfect fifth G, and the minor seventh B. This chord creates a rich and full sound that is often used in various musical genres to add color and depth to harmonic progressions.
Diminished seventh chord: A diminished seventh chord is a four-note chord made up of a root, a minor third, a diminished fifth, and a diminished seventh. It is known for its tense and unstable sound, often used to create tension that resolves into more stable chords. The diminished seventh chord can be viewed as a symmetrical structure because it can be transposed in minor thirds, allowing it to have multiple enharmonic spellings and resolutions.
Dominant seventh chord: A dominant seventh chord is a four-note chord that consists of a root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh. This chord plays a crucial role in tonal music as it creates tension that resolves to the tonic chord, often leading to strong harmonic progressions. Understanding its structure and function is essential for analyzing music, dictating harmonies, and working with different inversions.
Fifth: A fifth is an interval that spans five diatonic scale degrees, often considered one of the most consonant and stable intervals in music. In Western music, the fifth can be classified as either a perfect fifth or an augmented fifth, with the perfect fifth being the most common and foundational interval used in harmony. This interval plays a crucial role in the construction of chords, particularly triads and seventh chords, where it contributes to their overall sound and quality.
First Inversion: First inversion is a musical term that describes the rearrangement of the notes in a chord so that the lowest note is the third of the chord rather than the root. This inversion alters the chord's sound and function within harmonic progressions, providing a distinct quality that enhances musical expression. It applies to both triads and seventh chords, influencing how these chords are voiced and perceived in various musical contexts.
Functional Harmony: Functional harmony refers to the system of chords and their relationships that create a sense of movement and resolution within a piece of music. This concept emphasizes how different chords serve specific roles in relation to the tonic, dominant, and subdominant, guiding the listener through a musical narrative. It is essential in understanding chord progressions, the use of triads and seventh chords, and how these elements work together in harmonic dictation and accompaniment.
G major scale seventh chords: G major scale seventh chords are four-note chords derived from the G major scale that add a seventh interval above the root note. These chords are built by stacking thirds on top of each scale degree, resulting in a rich harmonic texture that enhances musical progression. They include variations based on different scale degrees, each contributing to a unique sound within a musical context.
G7: The term g7 refers to a specific type of seventh chord, known as a G dominant seventh chord. It is built on the root note G and consists of the notes G, B, D, and F. This chord is crucial in harmony and is often used to create tension that resolves to a C major chord. Understanding g7 helps in grasping how seventh chords function in music theory and their role in establishing chord progressions.
Half-diminished seventh chord: A half-diminished seventh chord is a four-note chord consisting of a root, a minor third, a diminished fifth, and a minor seventh. This chord is often represented by the symbol 'ø7' and plays a crucial role in harmonic progressions, typically functioning as a leading tone or a predominant chord that resolves to a dominant chord.
I-vi-ii-v progression: The i-vi-ii-v progression is a chord sequence commonly used in music that moves from the tonic minor chord (i) to the minor sixth (vi), followed by the supertonic minor (ii) and resolving on the dominant (v). This progression creates a strong harmonic foundation, often found in various musical styles, particularly in popular and jazz music. It sets up a compelling journey through tension and resolution that is enhanced when seventh chords and their inversions are applied.
Ii-v-i progression: The ii-v-i progression is a common chord sequence in tonal music, where the ii chord (supertonic) resolves to the v chord (dominant) and finally to the i chord (tonic). This progression creates a strong sense of movement and resolution, often used in various styles, particularly in jazz and classical music. Understanding this progression is crucial for identifying chord qualities, working with extended and altered chords, analyzing seventh chords and their inversions, and recognizing triads and their inversions.
Leading tone: The leading tone is the seventh scale degree in a major or harmonic minor scale, which has a strong tendency to resolve up to the tonic note, creating a sense of tension and release. This concept is essential for understanding how melodies and harmonies are constructed, as it plays a crucial role in establishing key relationships and emotional impact in music.
Major Seventh Chord: A major seventh chord is a four-note chord consisting of a root, major third, perfect fifth, and a major seventh above the root. This chord produces a rich and colorful sound, often used to convey a sense of brightness and resolution in music. Understanding major seventh chords involves recognizing their structure and how they function in harmonic contexts, including their role in triads and seventh chords, their identification through harmonic dictation, and their inversions.
Minor seventh chord: A minor seventh chord is a four-note chord formed by stacking a minor triad on top of a minor seventh interval. It consists of the root, minor third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh, creating a rich and complex sound that is widely used in various musical genres. This chord plays a significant role in harmony, providing depth to progressions and acting as a vital element in both functional and modal contexts.
Resolution: Resolution refers to the process by which a musical tension is released, often leading to a sense of closure or stability in a progression. It typically involves moving from a dissonant chord or note to a consonant one, and this transition plays a crucial role in establishing the overall emotional narrative of a piece. Understanding resolution helps musicians recognize how melodies and harmonies interact to create musical coherence.
Root: The root of a chord is the fundamental note upon which the chord is built, serving as the base for identifying the chord's quality and function. It is the lowest pitch in a chord when it is in root position and serves as a reference point for understanding chord structure and relationships within harmony. In both triads and seventh chords, recognizing the root is crucial for determining inversions and voice leading.
Root position: Root position refers to the arrangement of a chord where the root note is the lowest in pitch. In this arrangement, the other notes of the chord are stacked above the root in ascending order, which gives the chord its most stable and consonant sound. Root position plays a critical role in identifying triads and seventh chords, as well as understanding chord qualities and inversions.
Second Inversion: Second inversion is a type of triad or seventh chord where the fifth of the chord is the lowest note, meaning that the root and third of the chord are stacked above it. This inversion is crucial for understanding how chords can be rearranged and voiced in various musical contexts, allowing for smoother bass lines and voice leading. Recognizing second inversion helps musicians understand harmonic progressions and enhances their ability to create varied textures in their music.
Seventh: A seventh is an interval that spans seven diatonic scale degrees, creating a distance between two notes. It is an essential component in harmony and music theory, particularly in understanding the construction of seventh chords, which add richness and complexity to musical textures. The seventh can be either major, minor, diminished, or augmented, each having distinct characteristics that affect how the chords resolve and function within a progression.
Tension: Tension in music refers to the feeling of instability or anticipation created by certain notes, chords, or rhythms that often resolve into a more stable state. This concept is crucial as it drives musical narratives, engaging listeners through a dynamic interplay between consonance and dissonance, rhythmic placement, and harmonic movement.
Third: A third is an interval that spans three diatonic scale degrees and is crucial in music for creating harmony and defining chord structures. It can be classified as a major or minor third, with the distinction made based on the number of half steps between the notes. This interval plays a vital role in forming triads and seventh chords, influencing their quality and inversions.
Third Inversion: Third inversion refers to a specific arrangement of seventh chords where the seventh of the chord is the lowest note in the harmony. This inversion creates a unique sound and function within harmonic progressions, as it places the chord's root, third, and fifth above the seventh. Understanding this inversion helps musicians grasp the versatility and functional use of seventh chords in various musical contexts.
Voice Leading: Voice leading is the practice of composing music in a way that ensures smooth and logical movement from one chord to another by focusing on how individual melodic lines or 'voices' transition between notes. This technique is crucial for creating harmonic progressions that are pleasing to the ear, ensuring that intervals between successive notes are handled with care to maintain clarity and coherence in the musical texture.