If you are not well versed in Triads and how they are created, then you may want to start with the article on Triads first before reading this one. If you are coming from there, then welcome :-)
Chords that contain four notes amplify the harmonic intensity of the piece.
And Now, a quick word from our sponsor:
Syntorial
Learn MoreThank you, and now back to our content...
Tetrads (7th Chords)
7th chords get their name from the fact that the top most note of the chord is the interval of a 7th away from the root of the chord.
Major 7th Chord
A major 7th chord consists of the intervals of a major 4rd, a perfect 5th and a major 7th. You can also think of a major 7th chord as consisting of a major triad with an added major 7th on top.
1 Select a Root Note
A2
C
E
G
B
C4
C5
E5
Minor 7th Chord
In a Minor 7th chord we keep the perfect 5th, but wap out the major intervals for minor ones. This means that the major 3rd becomes a minor third, and the major 7th becomes a minor 7th as well.
1 Select a Root Note
A2
C
G
Eb
Bb
C4
C5
E5
If we compare the two chords using the same root note we can see this change occur. The root and 5th stay the same, but the 3rd and 7th change back and fourth from major intervals to minor intervals and vice versa.
1 Select a Root Note
2 Select a Chord Quality
A2
C3
C4
C5
E5
Dominant 7th Chord
The next 7th chord is a new entry into this category, as we have not seen something like this yet if we have been following along with this harmonic journey from the beginning. The Dominant chord consists of the intervals of a Major 3rd, a Perfect 5th, but a Minor 7th, which, in combination, creates a brand new sound to our ears.
1 Select a Root Note
A2
C
E
G
Bb
C4
C5
E5
Half-Diminished 7th Chord
This chord is the last diatonic 7th chord in the major and minor scale family.
1 Select a Root Note
A2
C
Eb
Gb
Bb
C4
C5
E5
Harmonic Minor
Minor Major 7th Chord
The Minor Major 7th chord consists of a Minor 3rd, a Perfect 5th, and a Major 7th. The two qualities refer to the 3rd and the 7th, respectively.
1 Select a Root Note
A2
C
G
B
Eb
C4
C5
E5
Augmented Major 7th Chord
The Augmented Major 7th chord consists of a Major 3rd, an Augmented 5th, and a Major 7th. The two qualities of this chord name are a bit trickier, as the Augmented quality refers to the 5th, and the Major quality refers to both the 3rd and the 7th.
1 Select a Root Note
A2
C
E
B
G#
C4
C5
E5
Diminished 7th Chord
The Diminished 7th chord consists of a Minor 3rd, a Diminished 5th, and a Diminished 7th, which is also the interval of a Major 6th. The difference lies in the context.
1 Select a Root Note
A2
C
Bbb
Eb
Gb
C4
C5
E5
4 Note Chord Patterns
This is a work in progress so much more info is soon to come, so stay tuned…
If you enjoyed this article and found it useful,
then please consider donating to support :-)
If you enjoyed this article and found it useful, then please consider donating to support :-)