Seventh interval

Definition

A seventh interval is the distance between two pitches where the higher pitch is seven scale degrees away from the lower pitch. This interval is significant in music as it contributes to the harmonic structure and emotional expression within compositions. It can be major, minor, diminished, or augmented, each having distinct qualities that influence the overall sound and feel of a piece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A seventh interval consists of seven scale degrees, which can span eight half steps in a major seventh or ten half steps in a minor seventh.
2. Seventh intervals create tension and are often resolved to more stable intervals in music, making them essential in harmony and voice leading.
3. In music theory, a dominant seventh chord is built by stacking a major triad with a minor seventh interval on top, commonly used in blues and jazz.
4. There are four types of seventh intervals: major seventh, minor seventh, diminished seventh, and augmented seventh, each producing different emotional effects.
5. Seventh intervals play a crucial role in creating tension and release within musical phrases, impacting the overall harmonic progression.

Review Questions

• How does the quality of a seventh interval affect its use in musical composition?
  • The quality of a seventh interval—whether major, minor, diminished, or augmented—affects its function and emotional impact in music. A major seventh often sounds more consonant and serene, while a minor seventh introduces a sense of tension. Diminished and augmented sevenths can create even greater tension or instability, making them effective for leading into resolutions or changes in harmony. Understanding these qualities helps composers choose the right intervals to achieve their desired emotional expression.
• Compare and contrast the different types of seventh intervals and their harmonic implications.
  • The four types of seventh intervals—major, minor, diminished, and augmented—each bring unique harmonic implications. A major seventh creates a lush, dreamy sound that is often used in jazz and pop music. In contrast, a minor seventh introduces more tension and can be heard frequently in blues and funk. Diminished sevenths lead to unresolved feelings and are often used for dramatic effect, while augmented sevenths provide an unstable quality that can drive musical progressions forward. This variety allows composers to craft specific emotional landscapes within their works.
• Evaluate the role of seventh intervals in shaping musical style across different genres.
  • Seventh intervals significantly shape musical styles across genres by influencing harmony and emotional content. In jazz and blues, dominant sevenths are foundational for creating tension and driving progressions, while classical music often employs various sevenths to enhance thematic development. Rock music frequently uses minor sevenths to create moodiness or depth in ballads. By analyzing how different genres utilize seventh intervals, we can better understand their stylistic characteristics and emotional expressions. This evaluation reveals the integral role that seventh intervals play in diverse musical contexts.

Related terms

Interval: The distance between two pitches, measured in terms of scale degrees.

Major Scale: A diatonic scale consisting of seven distinct notes, where the seventh degree can determine the quality of the seventh interval.

Chord: A combination of three or more pitches sounded simultaneously, where seventh intervals often occur in extended harmonies.