Music Theory: Understanding Seventh Chords

Introduction to Seventh Chords

• Seventh chords are four-note chords.
• Like triads, they consist of the root, third, and fifth.
• Unlike triads, they include an additional note: the seventh.

Types of Triads and Sevenths

• Four types of triads:
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Diminished
  • Augmented
• Sevenths can also be:
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Diminished
  • Augmented

Possible Seventh Chords

• Combining different types of triads and sevenths, there are 16 possible seventh chords.
• Only five are commonly used in music compositions.

Common Types of Seventh Chords

1. Major Seventh
   • Consists of a major triad and a major seventh.
2. Dominant Seventh
   • Made of a major triad and a minor seventh.
3. Minor Seventh
   • Composed of a minor triad and a minor seventh.
4. Half-Diminished Seventh
   • Formed with a diminished triad and a minor seventh.
5. Fully Diminished Seventh
   • Comprised of a diminished triad and a diminished seventh.

Inversions of Seventh Chords

• Like triads, seventh chords can have inversions.
• Inversions:
  • Root Position: Root note is in the bass.
  • First Inversion: Third of the chord is in the bass.
  • Second Inversion: Fifth of the chord is in the bass.
  • Third Inversion: Seventh of the chord is in the bass.

Identifying Seventh Chords in Music

• Example analysis:
  • First Chord: C in bass, analyzed as in root position.
  • Second Chord: F in bass, includes a seventh, analyzed as an inversion.
  • Third Chord: F-sharp in bass, another seventh chord in inversion.

Analysis Example

• First Seventh Chord:
  • Triad: G, B, D (Major Triad)
  • Interval: G to F (Minor Seventh)
  • Identified as a G Dominant Seventh Chord.
• Second Seventh Chord:
  • Triad: D, F-sharp, A (Major Triad)
  • Interval: D to C (Minor Seventh)
  • Identified as a D Dominant Seventh Chord.

Conclusion

• Currently focusing on identifying and naming seventh chords.
• Future discussions will explore the function of seventh chords in chord progressions.
• Encouraged to practice recognizing triads and sevenths.

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