Jazz Piano Basics: The Basic Seventh Chords

Content

• Introduction

• Major Seventh Chord

• Minor Seventh Chord

• Dominant Seventh Chord

Introduction

Seventh chords are a fundamental part of jazz piano improvisation. They form the harmonic backbone of jazz standards and provide the rich, complex sound that defines the genre. If you're a beginning jazz pianist looking to start your improvisation journey, understanding seventh chords is an essential first step.

In this article, we'll introduce three crucial seventh chords that every jazz pianist should know: major seventh chords, minor seventh chords, and dominant seventh chords. You'll learn how these chords are constructed, how to recognize them in chord symbols, and how to start practicing them effectively. By the end of this guide, you'll have a solid foundation to build upon as you continue your jazz piano studies.

Major Seventh Chord

A major seventh chord is built by combining a major triad with a major seventh interval. This means that if you take a basic major chord (root, major third, and perfect fifth) and add a note that is a major seventh above the root, you get a major seventh chord.

For example, in the key of C:

• The C major triad consists of the notes C - E - G.

• The major seventh interval adds the note B.

• Together, this forms the Cmaj7 (CΔ7) chord: C - E - G - B.

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Without any harmonic context, the major seventh chord has a smooth, dreamy, and lush quality. It’s often associated with a sense of openness and sophistication, making it a staple in jazz ballads and modern harmonic progressions.

Here's a familiarizing exercise that you can practice to master your major seventh chords:

Minor Seventh Chord

A minor seventh chord is built by combining a minor triad with a minor seventh interval. This gives it a more subdued and slightly melancholic sound compared to the major seventh chord.

For example, in the key of C:

• The C minor triad consists of the notes C - E♭ - G.

• The minor seventh interval adds the note B♭.

• Together, this forms the Cmin7 (C-7) chord: C - E♭ - G - B♭.

The minor seventh chord has a warm, mellow, and slightly bluesy character. It’s widely used in jazz, often appearing in ii-V-I progressions and modal jazz compositions.

Here's a familiarizing exercise that you can practice to master your minor seventh chords:

Dominant Seventh Chord

A dominant seventh chord is built by combining a major triad with a minor seventh interval. This creates a sound that is both strong and unresolved, making it a crucial element in jazz harmony.

For example, in the key of C:

• The C major triad consists of the notes C - E - G.

• The minor seventh interval adds the note B♭.

• Together, this forms the C7 chord: C - E - G - B♭.

The dominant seventh chord has a tense, bluesy, and energetic quality. It naturally creates a pull toward resolution, making it essential in jazz turnarounds, blues progressions, and ii-V-I cadences.

Here's a familiarizing exercise that you can practice to master your dominant seventh chords:

Conclusion

Mastering these three seventh chords—major seventh, minor seventh, and dominant seventh—is a significant step in your jazz piano journey. These chords form the foundation of countless jazz tunes, and understanding their construction and sound will help you develop your improvisational skills.

If you're looking for structured jazz piano lessons in Singapore, consider enrolling in a course that focuses on building both your theoretical understanding and practical playing skills. Learning in a guided environment can accelerate your progress and give you the tools to express yourself fluently in jazz.

Keep practicing these chords, explore their sound in different contexts, and soon, you’ll find yourself naturally incorporating them into your improvisation. Happy playing!