If a song needs some additional energy and excitement, the D7 chord can add some zest. Plus, its sunny disposition helps add brightness to otherwise somber lyrics.
Music theory considers the most basic type of chord to be the triad, while D7 refers to one with an added minor seventh chord.
Patsy Cline’s “Walkin’ After Midnight”
Patsy Cline first became well known as a country and pop crossover singer after writing and performing “Walkin’ After Midnight”, her signature country tune which featured the D7 chord as one of its key components. Later, this iconic country music song would go on to be her breakthrough single.
When learning the D7 chord, it is crucial that learners pay careful attention to finger positioning. Beginners tend to place their middle finger too low on the G string, leading them into making muted sounds; this issue can be remedied through relaxed practice and paying close attention to finger placement.
Practice the D7 chord using popular pop songs such as “Daydream Believer” by The Monkees or Paolo Nutini’s Candy; both utilize this chord to add energy and excitement. More advanced guitar players may want to incorporate it into Mixolydian scales to further add color.
Willie Nelson’s “Whiskey River”
With proper finger placement, this D7 barre chord should be relatively straightforward for beginner guitarists to learn. The only tricky aspect will be keeping your pointer finger away from string six – which may take time to master.
This chord can add extra energy and variety to country songs, blues and other genres where an energetic sound is needed. Having multiple versions on hand allows for added variety in your music.
Beginning guitarists will find it easier to play an open D7 chord, however it might lack fullness compared to other voicings. A bar chord version can provide an effective solution; though stretching of fingers may still be necessary; over time however it will become easier.
Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl”
Van Morrison released “Brown Eyed Girl” as one of his initial solo singles after leaving Irish band Them in 1967. Recorded at A&R Studios with Bert Berns, it depicts an unnamed girl suffering from tuberculosis.
Morrison’s signature song has become one of his biggest successes and showcased early hints of his idealized pastoral landscapes that would become hallmarks of his later works.
At first, Morrison wrote Brown-Skinned Girl but changed it post-recording to Brown Eyed Girl due to a change of heart at recording time. According to him, however, this song never meant to represent an interracial romance and it simply made more sense with that name than any other option available at that point in time.
As can be seen, the D7 chord can be found across many genres and musical forms; you may encounter it in blues, country music, jazz or even funk!
The Beatles’ “Come Together”
The Beatles’ “Come Together” is an iconic rock song which incorporates the D7 chord throughout its chorus and opening track of 1969 album Abbey Road.
This song was originally composed by the band as a means to support Timothy Leary’s campaign against Ronald Reagan for Governor of California as Leary was an advocate of LSD and marijuana use; his campaign slogan read “Come Together, Join The Party”.
Once the Beatles added McCartney’s bass line and their trademark production touches to this song, it quickly became one of their most famous and timeless works; still enjoyed today just as strongly as it did back then.