Major Seventh

Definition

A major seventh is an interval that spans eleven half steps, occurring between the root note and the seventh note of a major scale. This interval is crucial for constructing major seventh chords, which consist of a root, major third, perfect fifth, and a major seventh. Understanding the major seventh helps in recognizing chord functions and voice leading in both harmony and composition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The major seventh is often described as a 'sweet' or 'colorful' sound and is frequently used in jazz and contemporary music to create rich harmonic textures.
2. In a C major scale, the major seventh interval is from C to B, showcasing how this interval relates to specific scale degrees.
3. When building a major seventh chord, it includes four specific notes: the root, major third, perfect fifth, and the major seventh.
4. The major seventh chord can be notated as Cmaj7, where 'C' is the root note and 'maj7' indicates it's a major seventh chord.
5. Inverting a major seventh chord changes its bass note while maintaining its harmonic function; this allows for varied voicings in composition.

Review Questions

• How does the major seventh interval differ from other types of sevenths in terms of sound and construction?
  • The major seventh interval stands out due to its specific distance of eleven half steps from the root note, creating a distinct sound that is often perceived as bright and pleasing. In contrast, other types of sevenths, such as minor or dominant sevenths, have different distances: minor sevenths span ten half steps while dominant sevenths span ten but have a different quality. This difference in structure influences how chords are constructed and their emotional impact in music.
• Describe how to construct a major seventh chord using the C major scale as an example.
  • To construct a C major seventh chord, start with the root note C. Next, include E as the major third (four half steps above C), G as the perfect fifth (seven half steps above C), and B as the major seventh (eleven half steps above C). Therefore, the Cmaj7 chord consists of the notes C, E, G, and B together forming a rich sound that enhances harmonic progression.
• Evaluate the role of major seventh chords in modern musical genres and their impact on harmony and emotion.
  • Major seventh chords play a significant role in modern genres like jazz, pop, and R&B due to their lush quality and ability to evoke complex emotions. By incorporating these chords into progressions, musicians can create tension and resolution effectively. The unique sound of a major seventh enriches harmonic palettes and allows for smooth voice leading between chords, ultimately enhancing emotional expression in compositions. Their frequent use highlights their importance in contemporary songwriting and arrangement.

Related terms

Major Scale: A diatonic scale that consists of seven distinct notes with the pattern of whole and half steps being: whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half.

Seventh Chord: A chord that includes a triad plus an additional note that is a seventh above the root. Types include major seventh, minor seventh, dominant seventh, and half-diminished seventh.

Perfect Fifth: An interval that spans seven half steps, found between the root note and the fifth note of the major scale, playing a key role in forming various chords.