Dominant7 or maj7 chords are built upon the basic chord triad (See previous post on chords). After working out your basic triad add the 7 on top. Here is the theory for adding the 7:
- If you need the dominant 7 eg. C7, D7, E7 etc… The note you need is a Tone below the root of the chord. So if your chord is C7 the seven is Bb, See picture below:
C7
- If you need the maj7 / major7 eg. Cmaj7, Dmaj7, Emaj7 etc… The note you need is a Semi Tone below the root of the chord. So if your chord is Cmaj7 the seven is B, See picture below:
Cmaj7
There are only two types of 7th note, so this theory applies even if you have minor, diminished or any other kind of chord. Below are a couple examples:
Cm7 (the seven is still Bb)
Cm(maj7) (the seven is still B)
Work out the notes in the chords below and post your answers in the comment box, I will go through the answers in class:
- D7
- E7
- Fm7
- Dm7
- Dm(maj7)
- Dmaj7
Good Luck. Mr C