Learning guitar requires mastering seventh chords as part of an essential skillset. They add depth and texture to many timeless songs – particularly jazz and funk music genres.
The distinctions among major, minor 7, dom7, m7b5 and diminished chords may seem minor but their effects can be profound; you can alter the entire mood of a song simply by changing one chord for another.
C7
C7 chord is an iconic element in many genres of music; Hank Williams used it in “Hey Good Lookin’.”
This chord is formed by adding a flattened seventh note to a basic C major triad. To play it, place your index finger on the eighth fret of B string while muting its sixth string with your thumb; then strum all other four strings in an upward stroke.
D7
D7 chords are dominant seventh chords that feature an extra note added as a flattened seventh, changing their sound and creating more tension before returning to their tonic (root) chords.
This chord can be heard in songs like The Monkees’ “Daydream Believer”, as well as classic blues songs like “Why I Sing the Blues”. Additionally, it adds an upbeat note to more downcast pop hits like Carl Perkins’ “Blue Suede Shoes”.
E7
E dominant 7th is an adjustable chord shape that can be moved along the fretboard, from above or below it. To play this chord, bar all six strings across the seventh fret with your index finger and secure all of them at that location with one barrette.
Dominant 7th chords feature a flat/minor seventh (7) instead of a major seventh (maj7) to give them more of an ominous, dramatic tone – often used to heighten tension within songs.
G7
G7 chord is an integral component of many blues songs. Known as a V chord, it serves an invaluable function.
This G7 voicing is based on an open C7 shape. The higher fret placement gives this voicing a brighter tone that cuts through dense musical arrangements. Although initially it may require more finger stretching to achieve it, with practice you will soon master this sound!
A7
To create tension in music, this chord can be played by barring the fifth string with your first finger while placing middle and pinky fingers on their respective seventh frets of other two strings.
Major sevenths produce a bright sound and are commonly found in blues songs, making them easy to play on guitar.
B7
B7 is often the first seventh chord learned by new guitarists. A major triad with an altered seventh, it adds bluesy flair to songs across genres.
To play this chord, mutes the sixth string and strumming only the top five strings using a down-up pattern until you can hold onto the chord easily. Experiment with various shapes or drop 2 or 4 voicings until you find what works for your fingering style.
Cm7
Cm7 chord is a minor major seventh chord composed of C, E, G and B notes that can be found in many songs – for instance the opening riff in Soundgarden’s Black Days is an example.
To play this chord, place your index finger across all six strings, covering all frets (barre). Press your thumb against the third string at its second fret to create this chord.
Dm7
Dm7 chords provide a vibrant alternative to G7 chords by adding the flat seventh (D), ninth (F), and eleventh (C).
Here’s a D minor 7th chord chart and fingerings to show how to play this chord, using your index finger to hold down the 4th string at 10th fret with its index finger.
Em7
One of the wonderful aspects of seventh chords is their diversity in personalities – often known as color.
Em7 is a minor 7th chord. To play it, position your ring finger on the 4th string’s 9th fret while your pinky is resting against 3rd string 7th fret – make sure the chord sounds clean before strumming along and practicing this until you can do it without looking at any charts!
F7
F7 (F dominant 7) chord is an intoxicating four-note chord that adds warmth and heartiness to any music. Often used in blues progressions.
As with other dominant seventh chords, this one can be played either with barre shapes or as movable voicings – try both variations to find out which one best suits your fingers.