Seventh chords can add an extra element of tension and color to a song’s progression – whether used as an accompanying chord or the lead melody itself.
This guitar seventh chords chart provides you with some common major, minor and dominant seventh chord shapes that you can use when writing songs.
Major
Major seventh chords come in various varieties. While each variation varies in terms of notes added, all contain two common intervals: major third and seventh intervals. Knowing all possible variations is vitally important.
Most songs feature major chords composed of standard triad chords (root, minor third, perfect fifth). These should be your starting point when learning chords as they form the basis for many other combinations.
Once you’ve mastered them, experiment by adding sevenths. Doing this will unlock an entirely new set of sounds and possibilities; adding sevenths is where much of the fun lies!
If you want an example, take a listen to Stone Temple Pilots’ “Interstate Love Song”, which contains four major seventh chord voicings–including the drop 2 major seventh chord–including one for an interstate love song.
Minor
The minor seventh chord (also called minor 7 flat 5 chord) can add depth and tension to a song, making it popularly used in jazz music.
Building a minor 7th chord typically involves stacking a minor triad on top of a diminished chord, then adding an ascending minor seventh interval above its root note. While this approach can help get started quickly and painlessly, it may prove challenging on your fingers!
There are also other methods of creating minor seventh chords, including lowering the notes of triad or altering its placement – each option allows you to create different minor seventh chords useful in creating chord progressions.
To assist with your understanding of Cm7 chords, we’ve created a diagram. When clicking the link, a larger version will open, with even more details about how the chord is constructed. Using this diagram will enable you to learn fingerings and finger positions quickly and accurately so you can play these chords quickly and accurately – once mastered try playing them using other shapes or capo positions!
Dominant
Dominant seventh chords (commonly referred to as vii, iv and vi chords) add a flattened fifth to a major triad. These chords serve as the building blocks of many popular R&B and blues songs; for instance Elvis Presley’s hit songs “Heartbreak Hotel” and “That’s All Right” use combinations of A7, B7 and E7 dominant seventh chords to produce an irresistibly swinging sound that encourages hip swaying!
These chords are frequently employed in jazz and rock music. Since their sound falls between major chords and minor chords, they are used to build tension before returning back to the tonic chord – this technique is known as resolution.
Normally, dominant seventh chords are written with either V7 or V in their name; however, some players use an altered dominant seventh chord by writing 7(b9) or 13 in the chord symbol to indicate it. Improvisers and comping instruments have the freedom to choose either an altered dominant seventh chord or natural 13; both can support each other effectively during improvisation sessions for greater freedom.