The Four Types of 7th Chords
| Type | Formula | Symbol | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dominant 7th | 1-3-5-♭7 | G7 | Bluesy, tense |
| Major 7th | 1-3-5-7 | Gmaj7 | Dreamy, lush |
| Minor 7th | 1-♭3-5-♭7 | Gm7 | Smooth, mellow |
| Half-diminished | 1-♭3-♭5-♭7 | Gm7♭5 | Dark, unstable |
Open Position 7th Chords
Dominant 7ths: Major 7ths: A7: x02020 Amaj7: x02120 E7: 020100 Cmaj7: x32000 D7: xx0212 Dmaj7: xx0222 G7: 320001 Fmaj7: 1x2210 B7: x21202 Gmaj7: 3x0002 Minor 7ths: Am7: x02010 Em7: 022030 Dm7: xx0211
Jazz ii-V-I-vi with 7th Chords
Dm7G7Cmaj7Am7
Classic jazz progression using all three main 7th chord types.
7th Chords in Blues
Blues uses dominant 7ths on every chord — even the I and IV chords that would normally be major. This creates the characteristic blues tension:
12-Bar Blues with 7ths
A7D7A7E7
Standard blues progression — all dominant 7ths.
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The Mixolydian mode contains the ♭7 that defines dominant 7th chords.
Open in full appNext Steps
Apply 7th chords to jazz ii-V-I progressions and explore further extensions with chord embellishments.