If you want to add some zest and variety to your chord progressions, seventh chords may be just what the doctor ordered. Simply put, they are triads that include an added 7th interval above their root chords.
Each type of seventh chord offers something distinctive that can add tension and complexity to your progressions. Let’s explore some of the most commonly found seventh chord shapes on guitar!
Major
If you know your intervals well, chord shapes are easy to play. They represent the next set of notes you get by stacking 3rds above a root note – for instance C maj7 is composed of the root, minor 3rd, major 5th and major 7th notes.
These shapes are great for playing quick, snappy funk progressions with their bright sound. Additionally, they can work great if you want to set an atmosphere or give your song some soul!
Minor seventh chords are similar to minor triads in that their third is reduced in pitch; this creates a melancholy atmosphere and can help soften some of the harshness in a dominant seventh chord. Another way of adding tension is with half diminished chords: this form can be made by adding a diminished triad to a minor seventh (for example C-Eb-Gb-Bbb), creating an ominous and menacing atmosphere.
Minor
Fans of artists like Alicia Keys or Marvin Gaye should know that these musicians often utilize minor seventh chords for setting a smooth, soulful sound in love songs and ballads. These chords create an uplifting tone.
For a minor seventh chord to be formed, simply take any major triad and add the note corresponding to its diminished seventh (or 9 semitones). For instance, on a C major triad you would find notes (C-E-G); when combined with its diminished seventh we get C-Eb-Gb as a minor seventh chord.
As is evident from this illustration, all seventh chords are composed of triads and their associated intervals. Recognizing each type will equip you with the tools to add emotion and color to any chord progression. Don’t forget Hoffman Academy’s premium guitar course for more tips and tricks – start a FREE trial now!
Dominant
As their name implies, dominant seventh chords add a seventh note to a major triad. Since this interval is inherently dissonant, these chords produce a powerful sound with tension-filled soundscapes.
Four note chords are a staple of blues and rock music. Their strong pull to resolve back to their tonic (I) chord can create tension while at the same time being extremely useful in creating new musical ideas.
Guitar neck diagrams depicting dominant 7th chords illustrate multiple possibilities. Black notes correspond to root voicing while blue and red notes suggest potential fingerings on other strings. Red arrows point towards 2nd inversion while green ones indicate 3rd inversion for all chords shown below.
Check out John Lee Hooker’s “Tin Man” or Muddy Waters’ “Blues Before Sunrise” to witness how dominant 7ths can add tension to any progression – it is truly remarkable how such an innocuous chord can take on such different personalities depending on its surroundings!
Diminished
The diminished seventh chord stands out in that its intervals are symmetrical, so if you move up or down by one minor third (1 to b3 or 5 to 7), you’ll end up back at its root one octave higher. Knowing one dim7 shape means knowing three others automatically!
No matter if you play jazz, rock or funk music – having chords in your arsenal is essential to creating complex yet moody compositions. So begin experimenting and use these shapes in your songs! Remember it may take practice to become proficient at using these chord shapes comfortably but once that happens it opens up a world of opportunities in songwriting! Happy playing! – Nick, Rhythm Guitarist Songwriter and Producer