7th Chords

Written by Jean-Pierre Pretorius

Basic triads are formed by stacking notes in thirds. To create a 7th chord another third is stacked above
the fifth of the given triad. The 7th can be a b7 (Minor 7th) or just a 7 (Major 7th) interval. There are many
other complex chords that can be created by altering the fifth, but for now only four types of 7th chords
will be covered.
2nd

8th

3rd

3rd

C7

Cmaj7

Cmin7

Cm7b5

also known as
C Dominant 7

Sometimes
written as
C 7

sometimes
written as
Cm7

also known as
C Half
Diminished

It is important to know how chords are spelled. The diagram below shows the intervals in the C7
chord. It is also beneficial to know what notes are in any given chord. As an exercise, fill in the missing
spelling or notes for Cmaj7, Cmin7 and Cm7b5 based on the chord shapes above.
R

b7
5

5
3

C7

Cmaj7

Cmin7

Cm7b5

the spelling is
R 1 3 5 b7
the notes are
C E G Bb

the spelling is
R1357
what are the
notes?

the notes are

C Eb G Bb
what is the
spelling?

the spelling is
R 1 b3 b5 b7
what are the
notes?

ii

iii

IV

vi

vii

The diagram above is a visual example of the notes of a Cmaj7 in relation to the C major scale. To convert this chord to a C7, flatten the B to a
Bb. Upper case roman numerals represents Major triads, while lower case roman numerals represent Minor triads.

3 tips to remember
1. The 5 is always natural, unless it is indicated in the chord.
2. A 7 in the chord symbol always means b7, except for when it is preceded by maj, then it
remains a natural 7 and is not flatted.
3. A minor or m chords always contains a flatted 3rd

There are many chord voicings (shapes) that can be created by knowing how to spell chords. Below are
just a few examples of different voicings for a Cmaj7 chord.
3rd

7th

10th

th

Cmaj7

Cmaj7

Cmaj7

Cmaj7

1357
CEGB

1357
CEGB

1357
CEGB

1357
CEGB

3rd

C7
1 3 5 b7
C E G Bb

8th

10th

C7

C7

C7

1 3 5 b7
C E G Bb

1 3 5 b7
C E G Bb

1 3 5 b7
C E G Bb

Cmin7

Cmaj7

Convert the C7
chord above to a
Cm7 and write
out the notes as
well
as
the
spelling

Convert the C7
chord above to a
Cmaj7 and write
out the notes as
well
as
the
spelling

Some more tips

1. Generally a 7 chord would be used as the V7 in a chord progression. When playing in the key of
C a G7 can be used in place of a G. The third of G7 is B which is the leading tone of the scale and
this creates a strong pull towards resolving to the tonal centre, which in this case is C.
2. Usually a 7 define will define the key, although there are exceptions such as blues which makes
use of the 7 in the IV7 and even sometimes the I7.
3. Minor 7th chords can be used in place of most standard minor chords, depending on what sound
you are trying to create.
4. A maj7 chord works well as a I chord.

Here are a few chord progressions to practice using 7th chords. Play the same chord progressions three
times, first with the root on the sixth string, secondly on the fifth and finally with the root on the fourth
string. Also, try playing a Cmaj7 with a root on the fifth string followed by a G7 with a root on the sixth
string, you will doing this you will notice that your had does not have to travel too far, this is particularly
good for songs with quick chord changes. This technique is highly favoured by jazz players.

Formula

Chords

ii V I

Dm7 | G7 | Cmaj7

I ii iii ii

Cmaj7 | Dm7 | Em7 | Dm7

I ii iii ii V I

Cmaj7 | Dm7 | Em7 | Dm7 | G7 | Cmaj7

iii vi ii V I

Em7 | Am7 | Dm7 | G7 | Cmaj7

I IV ii vii I

Cmaj7 |Fmaj7 |Dm7 | Bm7b5 | Cmaj7