Seventh Chords
Abigail Young
8 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This AP Music Theory study guide covers seventh chords, including their definition as triads plus a seventh above the root. It details the five types of seventh chords: major, minor, dominant, diminished, and half-diminished, explaining their construction, sound, and examples. The guide also discusses seventh chord inversions, diatonic seventh chords in major and minor scales, and their use in chord progressions. Finally, it provides practice questions and exam tips focusing on chord construction, identification, analysis, and progression.
#AP Music Theory: Seventh Chords - Your Ultimate Review 🎶
Hey there, future music maestro! Let's dive into the world of seventh chords. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource for the AP Music Theory exam, especially when you're doing that last-minute review. We'll make sure everything clicks, and you'll feel confident and ready!
#What are Seventh Chords?
Seventh chords are four-note chords, extending the familiar triad by adding a note a seventh interval above the root. They're crucial for tonal harmony and add depth to various music styles. Think of them as the 'spicy' version of triads! 🌶️
- Key Concept: A seventh chord is a triad + a note a seventh above the root.
- Types of Seventh Chords: Major, minor, dominant, diminished, and half-diminished.
#Types of Seventh Chords
Let's break down each type:
#Major Seventh Chord (MM or M7)
- Construction: Root, major third, perfect fifth, and major seventh above the root. (Major triad + major third)
- Sound: Bright and happy, often used for resolution.
- Example: C-E-G-B in C major.
#Minor Seventh Chord (mm)
- Construction: Root, minor third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh above the root. (Minor triad + minor third)
- Sound: Mellow and contemplative, often used for tension.
- Example: A-C-E-G in A minor.
#Dominant Seventh Chord (Mm)
- Construction: Root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh above the root. (Major triad + minor third)
- Sound: Strong, bluesy, and creates tension that needs resolution. Very common in blues, jazz, and rock.
- Example: G-B-D-F in C major.
#Diminished Seventh Chord (o7 or dd)
- Construction: Root, minor third, diminished fifth, and diminished seventh above the root. (Diminished triad + minor third)
- Sound: Very tense and dissonant, creates instability.
#Half-Diminished Seventh Chord (ø7 or dm)
- Construction: Root, minor third, diminished fifth, and minor seventh above the root. (Diminished triad + major third)
- Sound: Tense and dissonant, often used as a substitute for dominant seventh chords, especially in jazz.
- Key Point: Remember the interval patterns for each seventh chord type. This will help you quickly identify and construct them.
#Seventh Chord Inversions
- Root Position: Root in the bass.
- First Inversion: Third in the bass.
- Second Inversion: Fifth in the bass.
- Third Inversion: Seventh in the bass (less common).
#Diatonic Seventh Chords
#Building Seventh Chords in Major
Let's see how seventh chords are built on each degree of a major scale. We'll use C major as our example.
- Major Triad + Major 3rd: Major 7th chord (MM)
- Major Triad + Minor 3rd: Dominant 7th chord (Mm)
- Minor Triad + Minor 3rd: Minor 7th chord (mm)
- Diminished Triad + Major 3rd: Half-diminished 7th chord (ø7)
- Diminished Triad + Minor 3rd: Fully-diminished 7th chord (°7)
Memory Aid: Think of the seventh chord as a triad with an extra third on top. The quality of that extra third determines the type of seventh chord.
#Diatonic Seventh Chords in Major Scale
- I: Major seventh (M7)
- ii: Minor seventh (m7)
- iii: Minor seventh (m7)
- IV: Major seventh (M7)
- V: Dominant seventh (Mm7)
- vi: Minor seventh (m7)
- vii°: Half-diminished seventh (ø7)
Quick Fact: Notice that the V chord is the only dominant seventh chord in a major scale. This is why it's called the dominant seventh chord!
#Diatonic Seventh Chords in Minor
Remember, in minor, we often raise the 7th to create a leading tone. This affects the qualities of the seventh chords.
- i: Minor seventh (m7)
- iiø: Half-diminished seventh (ø7)
- III: Major seventh (M7)
- iv: Minor seventh (m7)
- V: Major seventh (M7)
- VI: Major seventh (M7)
- vii°: Fully-diminished seventh (°7)
Exam Tip: Be careful with the V and vii chords in minor! The raised 7th changes their qualities compared to major scales.
🦜 Polly wants a progress tracker: gø7 is a G half-diminished 7th chord!
#Using Seventh Chords in Chord Progressions
- Classical Usage: Primarily on ii, V, and vii degrees.
- Dissonance: Seventh chords add dissonance, creating tension and movement.
- Voice Leading: They help create smooth, stepwise motion, avoiding large leaps.
- Substitutions: Seventh chords can substitute other chords to improve voice leading.
Common Mistake: Forgetting to raise the 7th in minor scales when building V and vii chords. This is a frequent source of errors!
#Final Exam Focus
- High-Priority Topics:
- Construction of all types of seventh chords (major, minor, dominant, diminished, half-diminished)
- Diatonic seventh chords in major and minor scales
- Using seventh chords in chord progressions
- Common Question Types:
- Identifying seventh chord qualities
- Constructing seventh chords from a given root
- Analyzing chord progressions with seventh chords
- Recognizing and resolving dissonances created by seventh chords
- Last-Minute Tips:
- Time Management: Quickly identify the root, third, fifth, and seventh of each chord.
- Common Pitfalls: Double-check accidentals and raised leading tones in minor scales.
- Strategies: Practice identifying chord qualities by ear. This can save you time on the exam.
High Value Topic: Diatonic seventh chords in both major and minor scales are crucial. Make sure you know these inside and out!
#Practice Questions
Practice Question
Multiple Choice Questions
-
Which of the following correctly identifies the notes in a D half-diminished seventh chord? (A) D-F-A-C (B) D-F-A♭-C (C) D-F-A♭-C♭ (D) D-F♯-A-C
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In the key of G minor, what is the quality of the seventh chord built on the subdominant (iv) scale degree? (A) Major seventh (B) Minor seventh (C) Dominant seventh (D) Half-diminished seventh
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Which of the following best describes the function of a dominant seventh chord in a chord progression? (A) Provides a sense of resolution and stability (B) Creates tension and a need for resolution (C) Adds a mellow and contemplative mood (D) Introduces a bright and happy sound
Free Response Question
Compose a four-part harmonization for the following melody in the key of C major. Use at least one seventh chord in your harmonization. Indicate the Roman numeral analysis below the score.
Melody: G - A - G - F - E - D - C
Point-by-Point Scoring Breakdown
- Correct Melody Notes (2 points): 2 points for all correct melody notes in the soprano voice.
- Correct Bass Notes (2 points): 2 points for all correct bass notes in the correct register.
- Correct Inner Voices (2 points): 2 points for correct alto and tenor notes, including proper voice leading.
- Correct Roman Numeral Analysis (2 points): 2 points for correct Roman numeral analysis, including the correct quality of the seventh chord.
- Use of at least one seventh chord (2 points): 2 points for using at least one seventh chord in the harmonization.
Example Answer:
(Soprano) G - A - G - F - E - D - C (Alto) E - F - E - D - C - B - G (Tenor) B - C - B - A - G - G - E (Bass) C - D - G - C - A - D - C
Roman Numeral Analysis: I - ii - V - I - vi - ii7 - I
Alright, you've got this! Review these concepts, practice, and approach the exam with confidence. You're going to do great! 🎉
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