Learning chords becomes much simpler when broken down into their individual components, particularly seventh chords.
A seventh chord can be created by adding one note that is one third higher to an already established triad. This form of chord can be found across many genres of music.
Here are a few examples. These chord diagrams feature moveable shapes that you can move up or down the neck to achieve different inversions.
Major
The major seventh chord is one of the most frequently-heard 7th chords and can be found in many classical piano pieces, jazz tunes and modern piano ballads. Its rich sound is often featured as part of harmony arrangements; frequently being the last chord before song completion.
A major seventh chord (also called Cmaj7) is a triad with an additional minor seventh note above it, also known as an added minor seventh note or minor 7th. When used in music textbooks with enharmonic spellings it might appear as Bmi7 or G#ma7 instead of Co7 chord symbol.
Maj7 chords can be combined to form more complex harmonies. Or you could add tension by including them in a minor key progression.
Minor
Major seventh chords tend to lend soul music an air of romance, as evidenced by their usage by composer Claude Debussy in “Claire de Lune.”
The first three notes form a minor triad while the 7th note above it falls one whole step below, creating a diminished seventh chord. Playing this chord requires all four fingers and may initially prove challenging until you find your rhythm; practice is key!
You might come across this chord when listening to blues or rock music as it provides added tension in its progression. For example, The Rolling Stones used this chord in their hit song “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” for an atmospheric blues rock sound; The Doors used one as well in “Roadhouse Blues.”
Diminished
Diminished chords may sound unnerving or out-of-place on their own, but their unique tension and resolution capabilities add an intriguing dimension to songs. Diminished chords are especially effective at building tension that will eventually be relieved when another chord changes. Use diminished chords for transitional moments or creating tension that will eventually be released when another chord shifts occurs.
Diminish chords resemble major seventh chords but differ in that their interval structure differs; they consist of two intervals separated by a minor third from one another – for example, C diminished (Cdim7) chord is composed of C, E flat and G flat notes.
Spend some time learning all of the seventh chord names and spellings. Practice until you can recite their interval structure without looking. Once that is accomplished, start playing around with them to see where they fit into your music! Adding different chords can really add dimension and brings songs to life! Good luck!
Mix & Match
Seventh chords are one of the most useful and versatile tools any guitarist must posses. Not only can they add another layer of harmony, they are excellent tools for creating tension or color in a progression as well as acting as an easy transition from one chord to the next in an ongoing progression.
Additionally, to the standard major, minor, and diminished seventh chords there are various variations known as drop 3 chords which involve altering either the 3rd note by an octave – hence their name.
To learn how to construct these voicings, start by looking at a chord chart. Next, consult the Note Interval Table in order to identify all of the notes that comprise your chord. Write down both root and first interval; use second and third intervals for filling in additional notes of your chord.