Seventh chords can be identified using different figured bass numbers than their counterpart triads; specifically, their bottom number gives an indication of its interval from its lowest note to its next highest note.
The table below outlines note intervals associated with dominant 7th triad chord qualities, along with their associated bass notes.
Root Note
Seventh chords share many qualities with triads: each note in the chord has its own individual interval quality relative to its base, which helps determine its inversion – so, for instance, in first inversion G7 chord would feature F at its bass note, followed by G, B and D above it.
These intervals can also be seen reflected in figured bass notation for seventh chords; for instance, when you see a chord symbol that says G/D this means the chord features D in its bass part.
Utilizing inversions gives your chords much more texture and emotion than simply playing them in root position, so it is vital that you practice them! Furthermore, different voicings give chords different colors; therefore it is beneficial to practice switching among them quickly on the fly when performing jazz or other genres that rely on open voicings.
Third Note
The third note is essential to the sound and structure of any chord; when applied to dominant seventh chords like G7 or F7 it gives its name; but if its function doesn’t necessitate its inclusion then it may be left out entirely – for example in this instance since G doesn’t fit within its definition as an m7 chord.
Every individual note in a chord has an interval quality – such as major, minor, diminished or perfect – which varies with its quality of note interval. To make things easy for ourselves and easily identify inversion of seventh chords we are working with, we’ll use numbers as indicators: for instance the lowest number will indicate where bass note begins its relationship to root; middle number between bass note and third of chord; while top number indicates bass note’s relationship to fifth of chord. These indicators will allow us to quickly recognize inversion of seventh chords we are working with.
Fifth Note
Inverting seventh chords allows for seamless voice leading between chords as well as creating variety in your music. They offer opportunities to add variation while maintaining clarity.
Each seventh chord can exist in four distinct inversions depending on whether its lowest note is in its root position, third position, fifth position, or any combination thereof. These four possible inversions are known as “voicings”.
Like triads, seventh chords use the same interval structure but feature one additional note – in this case a seventh – giving rise to their unique sound. A dominant seven chord can be formed by joining major 3rd and minor 7th intervals above the bass as this gives its unique sound signature.
These seventh chord intervals are then labeled with Roman numerals to identify which scale degree they’re built on; an I7 chord would correspond with scale degree 11, while 22 is used for an ii7 chord.
Bass Note
Notes located a third above the bass of a triad in first inversion are easy to spot; figured bass symbols typically only show one number, 6 or 5, due to the fact that their lower note (which could be considered root or inversion depending on which chord it forms a part of) may be assumed as root chord while their upper note – fifth above bass of second inversion, is often only shown.
Note that seventh chords feature their own characteristic chord quality that differs from that of their triad chord counterparts and their short names/acronyms; such as diminished, minor, major and perfect.
Practice identifying inversions of seventh chords by listening to chord progressions and noting which bass notes represent roots, thirds, fifths and sevenths in any given progression. Once you master this skill it should become easier to identify additional inversions of seventh chords.