What are 7th chords?

If you've ever wondered why some songs have a little extra oomph, or just sound straight-up classy, the answer may be seventh chords. For many musicians, they’re the secret ingredient that adds some serious flavour to their musical dish.

In this article we'll:

• Decipher what seventh chords are
• Explore their different qualities
• Listen to some examples
• Show you how to play them on guitar

So, whether you're a seasoned musician looking to expand your harmonic horizons or just a curious soul eager to know more about the magic behind the music - you’re in the right place.

The basics of chords

If chord construction is totally new to you, we’d recommend checking out our article on mastering triads first.

Here’s a quick recap for the rest of you:

• A triad is when three notes come together in harmony.
• We take notes from a diatonic scale (like major) to build triads.
• For example, if we take the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes from a C major scale – we get a C major chord!

Triads are the foundation for all chords and they come in four different flavors or ‘qualities’:

• Major – 1, 3, 5
• Minor – 1, b3, 5
• Augmented – 1, 3, #5
• Diminished – 1, b3, b5

These triads are the bread and butter of chord progressions, forming the backbone of almost every song you’ve ever heard.

The most commonly used triads are major, which sounds bright and cheerful, and its counterpart, minor, with its solemn and melancholic vibe.

But what if we want to get more nuanced than just happy or sad?

That’s where seventh chords come into play – they help us add an extra layer of complexity and richness to the music.

What are seventh chords?

Seventh chords, as the name suggests, include the seventh note from the scale – 1, 3, 5, 7.

• This additional note introduces another layer of harmony.
• Seventh chords are a favorite for musicians who want to add a level of sophistication to their progressions.

• It can be major, minor, or diminished, and its flavor defines the type of seventh chord.

Types of seventh chords

There are five different qualities of seventh chord – the most commonly used are the first three.

• Major seventh (maj7) – 1, 3, 5, 7
• Dominant seventh (7)  – 1, 3, 5, b7
• Minor seventh (m7)  – 1, b3, 5, b7
• Half-diminished seventh (m7b5)  – 1, b3, b5, b7
• Diminished seventh (°7) – 1, b3, b5, bb7

Below is a chart showing the notes for each type of C seventh chord.

If you’re not sure how to play these chords, don’t worry! We’re going to show you in a moment.

What do seventh chords sound like?

Each type of seventh chord has a distinct color.

Whether it's the cozy charm of a major seventh or the edgy tension of a diminished seventh, these chords are tools we can use to convey emotion and tell stories through music.

Here’s a cheat sheet for conjuring up some magical moods.

Major seventh chords (maj7)

Known for their dreamy and sophisticated sound.

• You build a maj7 chord by adding a major seventh interval to a major triad.
• Often associated with jazz and bossa nova, they bring a touch of elegance to a progression.

Dominant seventh chords (7)

A bluesy and powerful feel.

• They feature a major triad with a minor seventh interval.
• You'll find them in rock, blues, and, of course, in dominant chord progressions.

Minor seventh chords (m7)

A mellow, reflective, and soulful quality.

• We get a m7 chord by adding a minor seventh interval to a minor triad.
• Frequently used in R&B, funk, and ballads, they evoke a sense of introspection.

Minor seven flat five chords (m7♭5 or half-diminished)

These chords bring tension and intrigue.

• Formed by a diminished triad with a minor seventh interval.
• Often used in jazz as transitional chords.

Diminished seventh chords (dim7)

An eerie and suspenseful quality.

• They consist of a diminished triad with a diminished seventh interval.
• Frequently used in horror movie soundtracks and for creating dissonance.

In the next section, we'll explore where you can find 7th chords in the vast landscape of music, from jazz clubs to pop charts.

Where do you find seventh chords?

Whether you're listening to a sultry jazz saxophone solo, feeling the bluesy soul of a singer's voice, or dancing to a pop hit on the radio, there's a good chance seventh chords are playing a role in shaping the musical experience.

Jazz, neo soul, and lofi hip hop

That chill, laid-back vibe you get from these genres stems from seventh chords

• Seventh chords are at the heart of jazz harmony and all the subgenres that stem from it
• They create those lush, intricate soundscapes that send us somewhere special.

We’ve got some awesome neo-soul chord progressions for you to try out.

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Blues and rock’n’roll

Old school rock’n’roll and blues music rely heavily on dominant sevenths chords, in particular.

• From slow, soulful ballads to foot-stomping shuffles, these energetic styles wouldn't be the same without them.
• Legends like Chuck Berry and B.B. King got the audience jumping with their dominant riffs!

Soulful R&B

In the world of R&B, minor 7th chords set a cool tone.

• They create a smooth, soulful atmosphere, perfect for love songs and heartfelt ballads.
• Artists like Marvin Gaye and Alicia Keys know how to set the mood with some tastefully placed seventh chords.

Check out our R&B guitar techniques article if you’re interested in learning more!