7th chords are an important and versatile part of music theory, providing a valuable tool for songwriters, composers, and musicians of all levels. In this article, we'll cover the basics of 7th chords, discuss the different types of 7th chords, and look at how to use them to harmonize melodies.
A 7th chord is a type of chord that consists of four or more notes. These notes typically include the root note, the 3rd, 5th, and 7th. Typically, the 7th note creates a dissonant sound that stands out from traditional major and minor chords. 7th chords are commonly found in blues, jazz, and other genres of music. The various types of 7th chords are formed by different intervals between the notes. For example, a major 7th chord is formed when the intervals between the notes are 1, 3, 5, and 7. By contrast, a minor 7th chord is created when the intervals between the notes are 1, b3, 5, and b7. In addition to these two types, there are also dominant 7th chords, augmented 7th chords, and diminished 7th chords. Each of these types bring a unique sound and feel to the music.
Seventh chords are the most commonly used type of extended chord in musical composition. There are four main types of seventh chords: major sevenths, minor sevenths, dominant sevenths, and half-diminished sevenths.
A major seventh chord is made up of a major triad and a major seventh interval. This type of chord has a strong and stable feeling, making it a great choice for the end of a chord progression.
On the other hand, minor seventh chords are made up of a minor triad with a minor seventh interval. This type of chord has a melancholy sound which is perfect for slow ballads and jazz songs.
Dominant seventh chords are constructed from a major triad and a minor seventh interval. These chords have a suspension quality, giving them a sort of unresolved tension. As such, dominant sevenths are often used to move between different keys or to end a chord progression.
Lastly, half-diminished sevenths consist of a diminished triad with a minor seventh interval. The sound of this chord is dark and brooding, making it ideal for adding contrast and drama to a piece of music.
Harmonizing with 7th chords is an important skill for any musician to master. It involves layering multiple notes together to create a fuller sound that enhances the overall musical piece. When harmonizing with 7th chords, it is important to keep in mind the tonality of the chord being used, as well as the tendencies of other chords within the same key. Generally, when using 7th chords, it is best to use the notes within that chord as the starting point for your harmonizing. You can then add additional notes to the chord progression to make it more interesting.
For example, if you are starting with a C7 chord, you can add the notes D, E, and F to the chord to create a richer sound. Similarly, if you are playing an A-7 chord, you can add the notes B, C, and G. This helps to create a fuller sound without straying too far from the original chord progressions.
When harmonizing with 7th chords, you should also consider the other instruments or voices that are present. It is important to ensure that the harmonies you create do not clash with other sounds present in the song. To do this, you should ensure that you are aware of the chord progressions of other instruments, as well as the overall key being played in. By making sure that your harmonies are in tune with the key, you can ensure that all elements of the musical piece work together harmoniously.