Unlocking Musical Depth: A Guide to 7th Chords on Guitar

Have you ever noticed how some songs possess a richer, more complex sound that goes beyond simple major and minor chords? The secret ingredient behind this harmonic sophistication often lies in the use of seventh chords. For guitarists looking to add depth and flavor to their playing, understanding and utilizing 7th chords is a game-changer.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of 7th Chords Guitar, covering everything you need to know to start incorporating them into your music. We will:

Define what exactly seventh chords are and how they differ from basic triads.
Explore the diverse qualities of different types of 7th chords, from major to diminished.
Provide audio examples to help you recognize the unique sound of each type.
Show you practical and easy-to-learn shapes to play 7th chords on your guitar.

Whether you’re an experienced guitarist seeking to expand your harmonic palette or a beginner curious about the nuances of musical harmony, this article will equip you with the knowledge and tools to master 7th chords and elevate your guitar playing.

Revisiting Chord Basics: The Foundation of Harmony

If you’re new to chord construction or need a quick refresher, it’s helpful to understand the basics before diving into 7th chords. We recommend checking out resources on triad chords if you’re completely new to this.

For those familiar, here’s a quick recap of triads:

A triad is the simplest form of a chord, consisting of three notes played together harmoniously.
Triads are built using notes from a diatonic scale, such as the major scale.
For example, taking the 1st, 3rd, and 5th degrees of the C major scale (C-D-E-F-G-A-B) – gives us the notes C, E, and G, which form a C major chord!

Triads are the fundamental building blocks of harmony and come in four primary qualities, each with a distinct sonic character:

Major: Constructed from the 1st, 3rd, and 5th degrees of the major scale (1-3-5). Major triads sound bright and cheerful.
Minor: Constructed from the 1st, flat 3rd, and 5th degrees of the major scale (1-b3-5). Minor triads have a darker, more melancholic sound.
Augmented: Constructed from the 1st, 3rd, and sharp 5th degrees of the major scale (1-3-#5). Augmented triads sound dissonant and unstable.
Diminished: Constructed from the 1st, flat 3rd, and flat 5th degrees of the major scale (1-b3-b5). Diminished triads sound tense and unresolved.

These triad chords are the essential components of countless chord progressions, forming the harmonic framework of virtually every song you’ve ever listened to.

While major and minor triads are incredibly versatile and widely used, they represent just the beginning of harmonic possibilities. To add greater depth, complexity, and emotional nuance to music, we turn to seventh chords.

What Exactly Are 7th Chords?

Seventh chords take triad harmony a step further by adding an extra note: the seventh degree of the scale. Therefore, a 7th chord is a four-note chord consisting of the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th degrees of a scale (1-3-5-7).

This additional “7th” note creates richer harmonies and introduces more complex intervals within the chord.
Seventh chords are a favorite tool for guitarists and composers seeking to add sophistication and emotional depth to their chord progressions and melodies.
The quality of the 7th interval (major, minor, or diminished) combined with the triad quality determines the specific type and “flavor” of the seventh chord.

Exploring the Different Types of 7th Chords

There are five main types of seventh chords that are commonly used in music. Understanding the construction and sound of each is crucial for any guitarist looking to master 7th chord harmony. The first three listed below are the most frequently encountered.

Major Seventh (maj7): 1, 3, 5, 7 (major 7th interval)
Dominant Seventh (7): 1, 3, 5, b7 (minor 7th interval)
Minor Seventh (m7): 1, b3, 5, b7 (minor 7th interval)
Half-Diminished Seventh (m7b5): 1, b3, b5, b7 (minor 7th interval, diminished triad)
Diminished Seventh (°7): 1, b3, b5, bb7 (diminished 7th interval, diminished triad)

To visualize these differences, let’s look at the notes that make up each type of C seventh chord:

Diagram illustrating the note composition of different C seventh chords, including Major 7th, Dominant 7th, Minor 7th, Half-diminished 7th, and Diminished 7th, highlighting the specific intervals and alterations that define each chord type.

Don’t worry if these chord names and formulas seem confusing right now. We’ll explore the sonic character of each type and then show you practical guitar shapes to play them.

The Sound and Emotion of Seventh Chords

Each type of 7th chord possesses a unique sonic “color” and evokes different emotions. These chords are powerful tools for guitarists to convey a wide range of feelings and tell musical stories.

Think of 7th chords as adding different spices to your musical cooking. Let’s explore the “flavor profile” of each type:

Major Seventh Chords (maj7)

Major seventh chords are known for their sophisticated, jazzy, and almost “dreamy” quality.

A maj7 chord is built by adding a major seventh interval to a major triad.
They are frequently used in jazz, bossa nova, and pop music to create an elegant and refined harmonic texture.
Think of the smooth, mellow sound of a major seventh chord as adding a touch of class and sophistication.

Dominant Seventh Chords (7)

Dominant seventh chords have a bluesy, powerful, and often “urgent” feel.

They are constructed with a major triad and a minor seventh interval.
Dominant 7th chords are essential in blues, rock and roll, R&B, and funk, as well as in classical dominant chord progressions that create harmonic tension and resolution.
The sound of a dominant 7th chord is often described as bluesy, funky, or even a little bit edgy.

Minor Seventh Chords (m7)

Minor seventh chords have a mellow, reflective, soulful, and often “smooth” quality.

An m7 chord is created by adding a minor seventh interval to a minor triad.
They are commonly found in R&B, funk, soul, ballads, and jazz, evoking a sense of introspection, coolness, or melancholy.
Minor 7th chords are perfect for creating a relaxed, soulful, or introspective mood.

Minor Seven Flat Five Chords (m7♭5 or Half-Diminished)

These chords bring a sense of tension, intrigue, and transition.

They are formed by combining a diminished triad with a minor seventh interval.
Half-diminished chords are often utilized in jazz as transitional chords, creating harmonic movement and leading to other chords.
The sound of a half-diminished chord can be described as tense, unstable, and yearning for resolution.

Diminished Seventh Chords (dim7)

Diminished seventh chords possess an eerie, suspenseful, and highly dissonant quality.

They are built from a diminished triad with a diminished seventh interval.
Diminished 7th chords are frequently used in horror movie soundtracks, classical music, and jazz to create a sense of unease, drama, or dissonance.
Think of the unsettling, dramatic sound of a diminished 7th chord as adding a touch of mystery or suspense.

Now that we’ve explored the distinct sounds of each 7th chord type, let’s discover where you can hear them in action across different genres of music.

Where to Hear Seventh Chords in Music

Seventh chords are incredibly versatile and appear in a wide spectrum of musical styles. From the sophisticated harmonies of jazz to the soulful grooves of R&B and the driving energy of rock, 7th chords add depth and character to countless songs.

Whether you’re listening to a jazz saxophone solo, a blues guitar riff, or a catchy pop song, chances are seventh chords are contributing to the richness and complexity of the music.

Jazz, Neo-Soul, and Lofi Hip Hop

The relaxed, chill, and sophisticated vibe characteristic of these genres is deeply rooted in the use of seventh chords.

Seventh chords are fundamental to jazz harmony and its many subgenres, including neo-soul and lofi hip hop.
They create the lush, complex, and evocative soundscapes that define these genres, transporting listeners to a relaxed and introspective space.

Explore resources on neo-soul chord progressions to hear and learn how 7th chords are used to create those signature smooth sounds.

Blues and Rock & Roll

Classic rock and roll and blues music heavily rely on dominant seventh chords in particular.

From slow, soulful blues ballads to energetic rock and roll shuffles, dominant 7th chords are essential to the energy and feel of these genres.
Guitar legends like Chuck Berry and B.B. King famously used dominant 7th chords to create riffs and progressions that got audiences dancing and grooving.

Soulful R&B

In the realm of R&B, minor 7th chords are key to creating a cool, smooth, and soulful atmosphere.

Minor 7th chords establish a smooth, mellow harmonic foundation, making them perfect for love songs, ballads, and tracks with a relaxed, introspective mood.
Artists like Marvin Gaye and Alicia Keys are masters of using tastefully placed 7th chords to create emotionally resonant and captivating R&B soundscapes.

To further explore the use of 7th chords in R&B, delve into resources on R&B guitar techniques and chord progressions.

Getting Your Fingers on the Fretboard: How to Play 7th Chords on Guitar

Enough theory – let’s get practical and learn some essential 7th chord guitar shapes! These shapes are organized by the root note’s string (A, E, and D strings).

A String Root 7th Chord Shapes

Using the A string as the root provides a balanced and versatile voicing on the guitar, sitting comfortably in the mix without overpowering the bass frequencies.

Diagram illustrating common 7th chord shapes rooted on the A string of the guitar, including Major 7th, Dominant 7th, and Minor 7th variations, showcasing finger placements and string numbers for each chord.

E String Root 7th Chord Shapes

Rooting 7th chords on the low E string produces a fuller, “beefier” tone, making them particularly effective for solo guitar playing or when you want a strong harmonic foundation.

Diagram illustrating common 7th chord shapes rooted on the low E string of the guitar, including Major 7th, Dominant 7th, and Minor 7th variations, showcasing finger placements and string numbers for each chord.

D String Root 7th Chord Shapes

Using the D string root often results in brighter, more articulate 7th chord voicings. These shapes are well-suited for genres like funk and pop, where clarity and rhythmic precision are valued.

Diagram illustrating common 7th chord shapes rooted on the D string of the guitar, including Major 7th, Dominant 7th, and Minor 7th variations, showcasing finger placements and string numbers for each chord.

Remember, these are just starting points. The best shape to use depends on the musical context, the voicing you desire, and what’s comfortable for your hand.

Learning these 7th chord shapes and practicing them in different keys and musical situations will take time and dedication. However, mastering them will unlock a vast world of harmonic possibilities in your guitar playing, opening doors to more creative and expressive music.

Let’s listen to some well-known songs that showcase the effective use of 7th chords to inspire your practice!

Examples of Seventh Chords in Popular Music

To truly appreciate the impact of 7th chords, let’s explore some musical examples from different genres. These examples range in complexity, demonstrating how 7th chords can be used in simple and sophisticated ways.

We encourage you to find the guitar tabs or chord charts for these songs and try playing them yourself to solidify your understanding of 7th chords in context.

Beginner: House of the Rising Sun – The Animals

Image of The Animals performing “House of the Rising Sun”, a classic song that effectively uses a dominant seventh chord to add bluesy character to a minor chord progression.

This iconic folk-rock song has a haunting and bluesy character, proving that even a single 7th chord can significantly enhance a chord progression.

“House of the Rising Sun” features a minor chord progression with a prominent dominant seventh chord that adds a distinctive bluesy flavor.
The song is in 6/8 time signature and uses arpeggiated chords, making it a great exercise for developing fingerpicking and chord transitions.
If you’re familiar with basic open chords, this song is relatively easy to learn and a fantastic way to start playing with 7th chords.

Intermediate: Summertime – Ella Fitzgerald

Image of Ella Fitzgerald, renowned jazz vocalist, performing “Summertime”, a jazz standard rich in various types of seventh chords, showcasing sophisticated harmonic movement.

This timeless jazz standard (originally composed by George Gershwin) is a masterclass in 7th chord harmony, incorporating virtually every type of 7th chord quality.

“Summertime”, in Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition and countless others, showcases a beautifully sparse arrangement where the vocal melody and harmonic richness of 7th chords take center stage.
Ella Fitzgerald’s vocal runs expertly outline the chord changes, creating a dreamy and melancholic atmosphere that’s characteristic of jazz harmony.
“Summertime” remains a cornerstone of the jazz repertoire and a perfect example of sophisticated 7th chord usage.

Advanced: Superstition – Stevie Wonder

Image of Stevie Wonder, a musical genius, performing “Superstition”, a funk classic driven by dominant seventh chords, demonstrating how these chords can create infectious grooves.

Stevie Wonder is a master of harmony, and “Superstition” is a prime example of his genius in action.

This funk classic is propelled by a driving rhythm and a chord progression built heavily on dominant seventh chords, which contribute to its infectious and danceable groove.
“Superstition” brilliantly demonstrates how dominant 7th chords can elevate funk music, creating both harmonic interest and rhythmic energy.
For those looking to delve deeper into advanced harmony, “Superstition” also features tastefully placed #9 and #11 chord extensions, adding even more color and complexity.

Expert: Kind of Blue – Miles Davis

Image of the album cover for Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue”, a jazz masterpiece featuring modal improvisation and complex seventh chord harmonies, representing an advanced exploration of 7th chord possibilities.

For the ultimate challenge and a deep dive into 7th chord mastery, explore Miles Davis’ album Kind of Blue.

This entire album is a landmark jazz masterpiece, featuring various tracks that explore different combinations of seventh chords, key changes, and groundbreaking modal improvisation.
Kind of Blue is a treasure trove of musical information for aspiring jazz guitarists and harmony enthusiasts, offering endless discoveries and insights into advanced 7th chord usage and improvisation.

Conclusion: Embrace the Power of 7th Chords

We’ve reached the end of our harmonic exploration of 7th chords. Let’s recap the key takeaways:

Seventh chords are four-note chords comprised of the Root, 3rd, 5th, and 7th.
There are five main types of 7th chords: major 7th (maj7), minor 7th (m7), dominant 7th (dom7), minor 7 flat 5 (m7b5), and diminished 7th (dim7), each with a distinct sound.
These chords are powerful tools for conveying a wide range of emotions, from dreamy and sophisticated to bluesy and suspenseful – they are essential for musical storytelling.
Seventh chords are prevalent across virtually all genres of music, making them a crucial element in the vocabulary of any guitarist.

Now that you have a solid understanding of 7th chords guitar, it’s time to put this knowledge into practice! Start experimenting with the chord shapes, explore the musical examples, and most importantly, begin incorporating 7th chords into your own playing and songwriting.

Whether you’re composing, improvising, or simply jamming, 7th chords will become your versatile companions, adding richness, depth, and flavor to every note you play. So, pick up your guitar and start unlocking the expressive potential of 7th chords today!

Author: Richard Spooner

Richard Spooner is a writer and musician originally from the UK. After studying contemporary guitar at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) in London, he toured the UK with various groups, playing styles ranging from acoustic to metal.

Richard’s diverse experience gigging, studying music, working in guitar stores, and managing rehearsal studios has given him valuable insight into guitar and what it means to be a working musician. Since 2019, he has been traveling and working as an editor for Pickup Music, while also contributing to Total Guitar, Killer Guitar Rigs, and Guitar Pro. After a decade of performing, he now enjoys creating songs, writing about guitar, and taking long walks on the beach.

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