Learning how to build 7 chords is an important step for any guitarist. Seven chord shapes can add a new level of sophistication to your playing, and they’re not as difficult to learn as you might think.
Seven chords are built by adding a seventh note to a basic triad chord. The most common type of seven chord is the major 7 chord, which is built by adding a major seventh interval to the root, third, and fifth of a major triad.
Seven chords can create a variety of moods and atmospheres in your music. For example, major 7 chords have a bright and cheerful sound, while minor 7 chords have a more somber and reflective sound. Seven chords can also be used to create tension and release in your music. By learning how to use them effectively, you’ll be able to add a whole new dimension to your playing.
How to Build 7 Chords
Seven chords are an essential part of any guitarist’s repertoire. They can add a richness and complexity to your playing that is simply not possible with triad chords. But building 7 chords can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re new to guitar.
- Root
- Third
- Fifth
- Seventh
- Major/minor
- Inversions
- Voicings
In this article, we’ll break down the process of building 7 chords into seven simple steps. We’ll cover everything from the basics of chord construction to more advanced concepts like inversions and voicings. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to build any 7 chord you want with confidence.
Root
The root of a chord is the note that gives the chord its name. It is the most important note in the chord, and it determines the chord’s overall sound and function.
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Function
The root of a chord determines the chord’s function in a musical progression. For example, a chord with a root on the tonic note of a scale will sound like a tonic chord, while a chord with a root on the dominant note of a scale will sound like a dominant chord.
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Inversions
The root of a chord can be inverted, which means that it is not the lowest note in the chord. Inversions can create different sounds and voicings for chords.
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Voicings
The voicing of a chord refers to the specific arrangement of the notes in the chord. Different voicings can create different sounds and effects.
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Extensions
Extensions are notes that are added to a chord beyond the root, third, fifth, and seventh. Extensions can add color and complexity to chords.
Understanding the root of a chord is essential for building 7 chords. By understanding the root, you can determine the chord’s function, inversions, voicings, and extensions.
Third
The third is a critical component of any 7 chord. It is the note that gives the chord its characteristic sound and determines whether the chord is major or minor. For example, a major 7 chord has a major third, while a minor 7 chord has a minor third.
The third can also be used to create different inversions of a 7 chord. For example, a first inversion 7 chord has the third as the lowest note, while a second inversion 7 chord has the fifth as the lowest note. Inversions can create different sounds and voicings for chords, which can be useful for adding variety to your music.
Understanding the third is essential for building 7 chords. By understanding the third, you can determine the chord’s quality (major or minor), create different inversions, and use different voicings to add variety to your music.
Fifth
The fifth is a crucial element of any 7 chord, as it helps to determine the chord’s overall sound and quality. It is the note that is five scale degrees above the root of the chord, and it can be either perfect, augmented, or diminished.
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Perfect fifth
A perfect fifth is the most common type of fifth in 7 chords. It is the interval between the root and the fifth note of the major scale, and it has a consonant and stable sound.
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Augmented fifth
An augmented fifth is a fifth that is one semitone wider than a perfect fifth. It has a dissonant and unstable sound, and it is often used to create tension in music.
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Diminished fifth
A diminished fifth is a fifth that is one semitone narrower than a perfect fifth. It also has a dissonant and unstable sound, and it is often used to create tension in music.
The fifth can also be inverted, which means that it is not the highest note in the chord. Inversions can create different sounds and voicings for chords, which can be useful for adding variety to your music.
Seventh
The seventh is a crucial element of any 7 chord, as it is the note that gives the chord its characteristic sound and quality. It is the note that is seven scale degrees above the root of the chord, and it can be either major, minor, or diminished.
The seventh can also be inverted, which means that it is not the highest note in the chord. Inversions can create different sounds and voicings for chords, which can be useful for adding variety to your music.
Understanding the seventh is essential for building 7 chords. By understanding the seventh, you can determine the chord’s quality (major, minor, or diminished), create different inversions, and use different voicings to add variety to your music.
Major/minor
When building 7 chords, it is important to understand the concept of major and minor. Major and minor refer to the quality of the chord, which is determined by the interval between the root and the third. A major 7 chord has a major third, while a minor 7 chord has a minor third. This difference in quality gives each chord a distinct sound and feel.
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Major 7 chords
Major 7 chords have a bright and happy sound. They are often used in pop, rock, and country music. Some common major 7 chords include the Cmaj7, Gmaj7, and Dmaj7 chords.
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Minor 7 chords
Minor 7 chords have a darker and more somber sound. They are often used in jazz, blues, and classical music. Some common minor 7 chords include the Cmin7, Gmin7, and Dmin7 chords.
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Dominant 7 chords
Dominant 7 chords are a type of major 7 chord that has a flatted seventh. They have a strong and resolving sound. Dominant 7 chords are often used in jazz and blues music. Some common dominant 7 chords include the C7, G7, and D7 chords.
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Half-diminished 7 chords
Half-diminished 7 chords are a type of minor 7 chord that has a flatted fifth. They have a dark and mysterious sound. Half-diminished 7 chords are often used in jazz and classical music. Some common half-diminished 7 chords include the C♭7, G♭7, and D♭7 chords.
Understanding the difference between major and minor 7 chords is essential for building 7 chords. By understanding the quality of a chord, you can create chords that have the sound and feel that you want.
Inversions
Inversions are a fundamental aspect of building 7 chords. They allow you to create different voicings of the same chord, which can be useful for adding variety to your music. Inversions are created by moving the root of the chord to a different voice. For example, a root position C major 7 chord has the notes C, E, G, and B. A first inversion C major 7 chord has the notes E, G, B, and C. A second inversion C major 7 chord has the notes G, B, C, and E. A third inversion C major 7 chord has the notes B, C, E, and G.
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Root position
The root position is the most common inversion of a 7 chord. It has the root of the chord in the bass voice.
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First inversion
The first inversion has the third of the chord in the bass voice.
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Second inversion
The second inversion has the fifth of the chord in the bass voice.
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Third inversion
The third inversion has the seventh of the chord in the bass voice.
Inversions can be used to create a variety of different sounds and effects. For example, root position chords are typically the most stable and consonant, while third inversion chords are typically the most dissonant and unstable. Inversions can also be used to avoid voice leading problems, such as parallel fifths or octaves.
Voicings
Voicings refer to the specific arrangement of notes in a chord. They can significantly impact the sound, feel, and overall character of the chord. In the context of building 7 chords, voicings play a crucial role in determining the chord’s overall structure and functionality.
Understanding voicings is essential for guitarists who want to expand their harmonic vocabulary and create more sophisticated chord progressions. Different voicings can evoke different emotions and create varying levels of tension and release within a piece of music.
For instance, a close voicing, where the notes of the chord are arranged closely together, can create a more compact and focused sound, while a spread voicing, where the notes are spread out over a wider range, can produce a more open and airy sound. Additionally, inversions, which involve rearranging the order of the notes in a chord, can also affect the voicing and create different harmonic implications.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section addresses common questions and clarifies aspects related to building 7 chords, providing concise answers to guide your understanding.
Question 1: What is the fundamental difference between major and minor 7th chords?
Answer: Major 7th chords possess a cheerful and bright sound due to the presence of a major third, while minor 7th chords evoke a darker and more somber mood with their minor third.
Question 2: How do inversions impact the sound of 7th chords?
Answer: Inversions rearrange the order of notes within a chord, altering its voicing and harmonic implications. This allows for greater melodic and harmonic flexibility.
Question 3: What is the significance of the seventh interval in building 7th chords?
Answer: The seventh interval adds a distinctive character to the chord, contributing to its overall sound and quality. It can be major, minor, or diminished, influencing the chord’s harmonic function.
Question 4: How can I practice building and using 7th chords effectively?
Answer: Regular practice is crucial. Begin by understanding the theory behind chord construction, experiment with different voicings and inversions, and incorporate them into your musical compositions.
Question 5: Are there any online resources or tutorials that can supplement my learning?
Answer: Yes, numerous online resources provide interactive tutorials, chord diagrams, and practice exercises. They can complement your learning and enhance your understanding.
Question 6: How does mastering 7th chords benefit my guitar playing?
Answer: Building 7th chords expands your harmonic vocabulary, enabling you to create more sophisticated and expressive music. It enhances your ability to harmonize melodies, accompany solos, and compose engaging chord progressions.
These FAQs provide essential insights into building 7th chords, addressing common questions and clarifying crucial concepts. As you delve deeper into the subject, you will discover a wealth of harmonic possibilities that will enrich your musical journey.
In the next section, we will explore advanced techniques for utilizing 7th chords, including voice leading and chord substitutions, to further enhance your harmonic knowledge and guitar playing abilities.
Tips for Building 7 Chords
The following tips will help you to build 7 chords with confidence and accuracy:
Tip 1: Understand the Construction of 7 Chords
Familiarize yourself with the intervallic structure of 7 chords and how they are built upon the root note.
Tip 2: Practice Chord Inversions
Mastering inversions allows you to create different voicings of the same chord, adding variety to your playing.
Tip 3: Utilize Voice Leading
Pay attention to the smooth movement of voices between chords to avoid dissonant clashes.
Tip 4: Explore Different Voicings
Experiment with various voicings to discover the unique sounds and colors they offer.
Tip 5: Substitute 7th Chords
Learn how to substitute 7th chords for triad chords to enhance the harmonic complexity of your music.
Tip 6: Practice Regularly
Consistent practice is essential for developing muscle memory and improving your overall technique.
Tip 7: Use a Metronome
Incorporate a metronome into your practice routine to improve your timing and accuracy.
Tip 8: Listen to Music with 7th Chords
Listen attentively to how 7th chords are used in your favorite songs to gain inspiration and expand your musical vocabulary.
By following these tips, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of building 7 chords and incorporate them effectively into your guitar playing. This will open up new harmonic possibilities and enhance your musical expression.
In the next section, we will delve into the practical application of 7th chords, exploring their use in chord progressions, solos, and improvisation.
Conclusion
Throughout this article, we’ve explored the intricacies of building 7 chords. We’ve delved into the fundamental principles of chord construction, examined the impact of inversions and voicings, and discussed advanced techniques such as voice leading and chord substitution.
By understanding these concepts and incorporating them into your practice, you’ll unlock a world of harmonic possibilities and enhance your guitar playing abilities. Experimenting with different voicings will allow you to create unique sounds and colors, while mastering inversions will provide you with the flexibility to navigate the fretboard with ease. Furthermore, utilizing voice leading and chord substitution techniques will add depth and sophistication to your musical compositions.