Seventh chord

Definition

A seventh chord is a four-note chord that consists of a root, third, fifth, and seventh degree of the scale. It adds an extra note to the triad, creating a richer and more complex sound. The seventh can be major, minor, or diminished, which affects the chord's overall character and function in harmony.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. There are several types of seventh chords, including major seventh (M7), minor seventh (m7), dominant seventh (7), and diminished seventh (dim7), each having distinct sounds.
2. Seventh chords often resolve to tonic chords, creating tension and release in harmonic progressions.
3. The root of a seventh chord determines its name and function in a progression, while the quality of the seventh influences its tension and resolution.
4. Seventh chords can be used in various genres of music, from classical to jazz, where they add depth and complexity to harmony.
5. In figured bass notation, a seventh chord is often represented with numbers indicating the intervals above the bass note, allowing musicians to understand how to play it.

Review Questions

• How do different types of seventh chords influence harmonic progression?
  • Different types of seventh chords contribute unique tensions and resolutions in harmonic progressions. For example, a dominant seventh chord creates strong tension that typically resolves to a tonic chord, while a major seventh chord provides a more stable and consonant sound. The quality of the seventh—whether it's major, minor, or diminished—affects how it functions within a progression and how listeners perceive the movement between chords.
• Discuss how chord inversions affect the sound and function of seventh chords in a musical context.
  • Chord inversions change which note is in the bass position, altering the harmonic color and voice leading of seventh chords. For instance, placing the third or fifth in the bass can create smoother transitions between chords by minimizing the distance between bass notes. This technique can enhance the emotional impact of a piece by emphasizing certain notes or intervals that lead into subsequent chords.
• Evaluate the role of figured bass in realizing seventh chords during a performance and its significance in music composition.
  • Figured bass plays a crucial role in realizing seventh chords during performances by providing musicians with specific intervals to play above a given bass note. This allows for greater flexibility and interpretation by performers while adhering to established harmonic structures. In composition, using figured bass notation aids composers in notating complex harmonies like seventh chords clearly, enabling musicians to understand their intended harmonies without extensive written out parts.

Related terms

Triad: A triad is a three-note chord made up of a root, third, and fifth, serving as the foundational building block for seventh chords.

Chord Inversion: A chord inversion occurs when the notes of a chord are rearranged so that a note other than the root is in the bass position, affecting its sound and function.

Figured Bass: Figured bass is a musical notation system that indicates intervals above the bass note, allowing performers to realize chords and harmonies, including seventh chords.