Minor seventh chord

Definition

A minor seventh chord is a four-note chord consisting of a root, a minor third, a perfect fifth, and a minor seventh. This chord has a distinctive sound that conveys a sense of melancholy or tension, making it widely used in various musical genres. Understanding this chord is essential as it forms the basis for many harmonic progressions and is crucial in both major and minor key contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The minor seventh chord can be notated as 'Cm7' for C minor, which includes the notes C, E♭, G, and B♭.
2. This chord is formed by stacking a minor third on top of a minor triad, followed by adding the interval of a minor seventh above the root note.
3. In jazz and popular music, the minor seventh chord is frequently used to create smoother transitions between chords and add emotional depth to progressions.
4. When used in harmonic progressions in minor keys, the minor seventh chord often appears as the ii chord or vi chord, providing essential tonal color.
5. The addition of the seventh note to the minor triad gives the chord more complexity and a richer harmonic texture.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of a minor seventh chord differ from that of a major seventh chord?
  • The structure of a minor seventh chord consists of a root, minor third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh. In contrast, a major seventh chord contains a root, major third, perfect fifth, and major seventh. This difference in the third interval creates contrasting emotional qualities: the minor seventh feels more somber or tense, while the major seventh is brighter and more uplifting.
• Discuss the role of minor seventh chords in establishing harmonic progressions within minor keys.
  • In minor keys, minor seventh chords often function as either the ii chord or vi chord in common progressions. For example, in the key of A minor, Bm7 (the ii) can lead to E7 (the V), creating a strong resolution back to Am (the i). This relationship contributes to building tension and release within musical phrases. The unique sound of the minor seventh adds depth and character to these harmonic transitions.
• Evaluate how the use of minor seventh chords can enhance emotional expression in various musical genres.
  • Minor seventh chords are known for their ability to evoke feelings of sadness or introspection across many genres including jazz, blues, and pop. The combination of their inherent tension and complexity allows composers to convey nuanced emotional narratives. By incorporating these chords into their work, musicians can create rich textures that resonate with listeners on a deeper level. This use of harmony demonstrates how vital chord choices are in shaping the overall emotional impact of a piece.

Related terms

Diminished Seventh Chord: A chord built from a root, minor third, diminished fifth, and diminished seventh, known for its tense and unstable quality.

Major Seventh Chord: A four-note chord formed from a root, major third, perfect fifth, and major seventh, creating a brighter and more uplifting sound compared to the minor seventh.

Chord Progression: A sequence of chords played in succession, often creating harmonic tension and resolution in music.