No matter whether it is minor or major seventh chord, its addition adds richness and complexity to any basic triad progression, providing it with its own distinct sound that helps set it apart from similar tunes.
Seventh chords come in five distinct qualities or flavors that elicit different emotions, from subtle to dramatic.
Major Triad
Major triads’ melodic charm and expressive capacity makes them essential components of most genres of music, from pop to rock and blues-rock. Eric Clapton used E Major triad to give his song ‘Layla” a captivating blues-rock sound; Adele used this chord to add emotional grandeur to her chart-topping ballads.
To play a major triad, simply locate the root note on the thinnest string and progress from there with open or closed voicings. Make sure to MEMORISE its shape and root note as this will enable you to form any chord you desire in future.
Triads vary considerably in quality between major and minor keys. If built on scale degrees do, re, mi and sol (1 to 4, (2 to 3 and 5 to 6 respectively) then these triads will always be major; otherwise those built using ti (7-7 are minor. To hear their qualities better while playing them basslines is another way.
Minor Triad
Minor, diminished, and augmented triads follow the same general formula as major ones; to construct one using C minor for instance, draw its root note on the staff before adding any accidentals from its key signature for its third and fifth above (as outlined in Step 13-6’s diagram of triad shape diagram). When added a flat(b) or sharp(#) changes its quality from major to minor.
Roman numerals are commonly used to represent chord qualities as they provide concise data. However, figured bass may also be employed and this topic will be explored more fully in the section entitled “Inversion and Figured Bass”.
Major Seventh
Addition of a major seventh chord gives a bright, rich sound to any chord triad, making it one of the most frequently used seventh chords in jazz standards that employ the ii-V-i progression in minor keys. Furthermore, this chord works well as a tonic in certain key signatures.
Next up for exploration is the half-diminished seventh. It combines a diminished triad with a minor seventh for a distinctive sound that often appears in blues progressions.
Like triads, seventh chords can be built in any key by drawing their roots on the staff and drawing an extra-long snowperson shape above. As desired, you can adjust any necessary notes using accidentals in accordance with their key signature for maximum effect.
Minor Seventh
Minor seventh chord tones can be an invaluable asset in creating tension and unifying harmony, while simultaneously opening up more opportunities for chromatic movement and adding variety to melodies.
Example: When playing a C major 7th (C-E-G-B), lower the third and seventh notes by half steps to create a D minor (7th). This creates a more relaxed sound which pairs nicely with power chords.
To create a minor major seventh chord, first draw its root note onto a staff. Next, write in any accidentals necessary to alter its third, fifth, or seventh note; use suffixes like major, minor or min to indicate seventh quality – however many music publishers avoid these symbols due to their difficulty of reading on lead sheets and confusing students learning a new notation system; some musicians prefer their use instead as it simplifies sight reading and promotes learning.