Dominant seventh

Definition

A dominant seventh chord is a four-note chord consisting of a root note, major third, perfect fifth, and a minor seventh. This chord creates a strong sense of tension and resolution in music, often leading to the tonic chord. It is commonly used in various musical styles, including jazz and classical, to create harmonic movement and establish a sense of direction within a piece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The dominant seventh chord is built on the fifth degree of a scale, known as the dominant, making it essential for creating tension before resolving to the tonic.
2. This chord can be represented using the symbols 'V7' in Roman numeral analysis, indicating its function within a key.
3. In jazz, dominant seventh chords often include alterations like flat ninths or sharp ninths to create more complex harmonies.
4. The inclusion of the minor seventh (a whole step below the root) adds dissonance to the chord, heightening the urge to resolve to the tonic.
5. The dominant seventh is pivotal in establishing cadences, particularly the authentic cadence (V7 to I), which solidifies musical phrases.

Review Questions

• How does the dominant seventh chord create tension in music, and what role does it play in harmonic progression?
  • The dominant seventh chord creates tension through its dissonant sound, particularly with the inclusion of the minor seventh. This tension naturally leads to resolution when it moves to the tonic chord. In harmonic progression, it functions as a crucial component that propels the music forward, establishing a sense of direction and anticipation in the listener.
• Discuss how alterations in jazz music can transform a standard dominant seventh chord into a more complex harmonic structure.
  • In jazz music, musicians often alter dominant seventh chords by adding extensions or tensions such as flat ninths or sharp ninths. These alterations provide additional color and complexity to the harmonic structure. By incorporating these variations, musicians can create richer textures and unexpected resolutions within their compositions, allowing for more creative expression and improvisation.
• Evaluate the significance of dominant seventh chords in various musical styles and how they contribute to different emotional impacts.
  • Dominant seventh chords play a significant role across various musical styles by contributing to emotional dynamics and narrative within a piece. In classical music, they build tension that resolves satisfyingly to the tonic, enhancing dramatic moments. In jazz and blues, these chords create a feeling of yearning or nostalgia due to their rich harmonic possibilities. Understanding their versatility helps musicians effectively evoke emotions and engage listeners through harmonic choices.

Related terms

Tonic:

The tonic is the first note of a scale and serves as the home base for a piece of music, providing stability and resolution.

Subdominant:

The subdominant is the fourth degree of the scale, which often leads to the dominant seventh chord, creating harmonic progression.

Diminished seventh: A diminished seventh chord consists of a root note, minor third, diminished fifth, and diminished seventh, creating an unstable sound that resolves well into other chords.