V⁷ Chord (Dominant Seventh Chord)

Definition

A V⁷ chord, or Dominant Seventh chord, is a four-note chord formed by stacking a major triad with a minor seventh. This chord has a strong tendency to resolve to the tonic (I) chord, making it essential in establishing tonal harmony. It creates tension and anticipation in music, leading listeners back to the stability of the tonic, and is often preceded by predominant chords that set up its resolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The V⁷ chord consists of the root (5th scale degree), major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh of the scale.
2. It typically resolves to the I chord, creating a strong sense of closure in harmonic progressions.
3. In classical music, it is often used in cadences, especially authentic cadences, to reinforce the tonal center.
4. The inclusion of the minor seventh adds dissonance to the V chord, increasing its tension and effectiveness in leading to resolution.
5. In jazz and contemporary music, altered versions of the V⁷ chord can include alterations like raised or lowered fifths or ninths for added color.

Review Questions

• How does the tension created by a V⁷ chord contribute to its resolution in music?
  • The V⁷ chord creates tension through its dissonant structure, particularly with the addition of the minor seventh. This tension is essential for driving the music forward towards resolution. When the V⁷ resolves to the tonic (I), it provides a satisfying sense of closure and completion that listeners expect. The stronger the tension produced by the V⁷ chord, the more effective and impactful the resolution feels.
• Analyze how predominant chords function in relation to the V⁷ chord within harmonic progressions.
  • Predominant chords serve as preparatory chords that lead into the dominant seventh (V⁷) chord. Common examples include the IV and ii chords. By establishing a sense of movement towards the V⁷, these chords help create an expectation for resolution when followed by the dominant seventh. This relationship between predominant chords and the V⁷ chord is crucial for building harmonic tension that resolves back to the tonic.
• Evaluate the role of altered V⁷ chords in contemporary music and their impact on harmonic texture.
  • Altered V⁷ chords play a significant role in contemporary music by introducing new colors and tensions that can enhance harmonic texture. Musicians often raise or lower certain scale degrees within the V⁷ chord to create unique sounds and unexpected resolutions. This approach adds complexity and depth to musical compositions, allowing for more expressive moments while still retaining the fundamental function of leading back to the tonic. The flexibility in altering these chords showcases creativity while maintaining traditional harmonic relationships.

Related terms

Tonic:

The first scale degree of a key, serving as the home note and the foundation of the tonal system.

Predominant Chords: Chords that typically precede the dominant chord, such as the IV or ii chords, preparing for the resolution to the V chord.

Resolution:

The movement from a dissonant chord, like the V⁷, to a consonant chord, often providing a sense of closure or completion.