Seventh Chord

Definition

A seventh chord is a four-note chord that consists of a triad plus a seventh interval above the root. This chord adds complexity and tension to harmony, enhancing the emotional expressiveness of music and creating a richer sound. The various types of seventh chords, such as major, minor, dominant, and diminished, contribute to different tonal colors and are essential for understanding harmonic progression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Seventh chords are often used to create tension that resolves to a more stable chord, particularly in dominant-seventh chords that lead back to the tonic.
2. There are four main types of seventh chords: major seventh (M7), minor seventh (m7), dominant seventh (7), and diminished seventh (dim7), each with distinct qualities.
3. Seventh chords are commonly found in jazz and classical music, adding depth to harmonic textures and enriching melodic lines.
4. In music theory, seventh chords are crucial for understanding functional harmony, as they can signify different relationships between chords within a key.
5. The use of seventh chords can influence the mood of a piece; for instance, a major seventh chord tends to sound dreamy and relaxed, while a dominant seventh can feel tense and anticipatory.

Review Questions

• How do seventh chords enhance harmonic progression in music?
  • Seventh chords enhance harmonic progression by adding an extra layer of tension that often resolves to more stable chords. For example, a dominant seventh chord naturally leads back to the tonic chord, creating a satisfying resolution. This tension and release is fundamental in shaping musical narratives and emotional impact in compositions.
• What are the differences between major seventh, minor seventh, and dominant seventh chords in terms of their construction and emotional effect?
  • Major seventh chords consist of a major triad plus a major seventh and generally convey a dreamy or lush quality. Minor seventh chords contain a minor triad plus a minor seventh, giving them a more introspective feel. Dominant seventh chords are built on major triads but include a minor seventh, creating tension that typically seeks resolution. Each type serves different functions in musical compositions and evokes various emotional responses.
• Analyze how the use of seventh chords contributes to the overall mood and style of jazz music compared to classical music.
  • In jazz music, the use of seventh chords is prevalent due to their complex harmonies and ability to create rich textures. Jazz musicians often incorporate extensions and alterations on these chords, resulting in diverse improvisational possibilities. In contrast, classical music uses seventh chords primarily within the framework of functional harmony, focusing on their roles in establishing tension and resolution. This difference illustrates how seventh chords can serve as vehicles for expression in varying contexts while also shaping the distinctive characteristics of each genre.

Related terms

Triad:

A triad is a three-note chord formed by stacking two thirds on top of a root note, which can be major, minor, augmented, or diminished.

Diatonic Harmony: Diatonic harmony refers to the use of chords that belong to a particular key, creating a sense of stability and coherence within that tonal framework.

Chord Progression:

A chord progression is a series of chords played in sequence, which serves as the foundation for melody and harmony in music.