Getting Familiar with the Seventh Chords on Guitar: A Beginner’s Guide
If you’re a guitarist and you’re starting to explore beyond the basic chord structures, then you may have heard of seventh chords. Seventh chords are a versatile tool that can give your playing a new layer of depth and complexity. In this article, we will explore the basics of seventh chords on guitar.
What are seventh chords?
Seventh chords are a four-note chord that contains a triad plus the seventh note of the scale. There are four types of seventh chords: major seventh, minor seventh, dominant seventh, and diminished seventh.
The major seventh chord has a major triad with a major seventh interval. The minor seventh chord has a minor triad with a minor seventh interval. The dominant seventh chord has a major triad with a minor seventh interval. The diminished seventh chord has a diminished triad with a diminished seventh interval.
How to play seventh chords on guitar?
To play seventh chords on guitar, we need to know how to play the basic chord structure first. For example, to play a C major seventh chord, we need to start with the C major chord and add the seventh note of the C major scale, which is B.
Below are the basic fingerings for the most common seventh chords:
– Major seventh chord: X32000
– Minor seventh chord: X02210
– Dominant seventh chord: X02020
– Diminished seventh chord: XX2323
Why should you learn seventh chords?
Seventh chords can add a new layer of complexity and sophistication to your playing. They can help to create tension and release in a song, and provide a more diverse harmonic palette for your compositions. Plus, they sound great!
Where to use seventh chords?
Seventh chords can be used in a variety of musical genres, from jazz and blues to rock and pop. They are especially common in jazz music, where they are used to create complex chord progressions and improvisational opportunities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, seventh chords are a powerful tool for guitarists looking to expand their playing. They add a new layer of depth and complexity to your compositions and can be used in a variety of musical genres. With some practice and experimentation, you can use seventh chords to take your playing to the next level.
