Diatonic Seventh Chords to Know for Harmonic Analysis

Diatonic seventh chords are essential in harmonic analysis, providing depth and color to music. These chords, including major, minor, and dominant types, create unique emotional effects and drive progressions, enriching genres like jazz and pop with their distinct sounds.

1. Major seventh chord (maj7)

   • Consists of a root, major third, perfect fifth, and major seventh.
   • Creates a lush, stable sound often used in jazz and pop music.
   • Notated as "maj7" or "M7" in chord symbols.

2. Minor seventh chord (min7)

   • Comprised of a root, minor third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh.
   • Produces a more somber and introspective sound compared to major seventh chords.
   • Notated as "min7" or "m7" in chord symbols.

3. Dominant seventh chord (7)

   • Formed by a root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh.
   • Functions as a tension-building chord that resolves to the tonic, commonly used in blues and jazz.
   • Notated simply as "7" in chord symbols.

4. Half-diminished seventh chord (ø7)

   • Contains a root, minor third, diminished fifth, and minor seventh.
   • Often used in jazz and classical music to create a sense of tension and complexity.
   • Notated as "ø7" or "m7♭5" in chord symbols.

5. Fully diminished seventh chord (°7)

   • Made up of a root, minor third, diminished fifth, and diminished seventh.
   • Creates a very tense and unstable sound, often leading to resolution.
   • Notated as "°7" in chord symbols.

6. Minor-major seventh chord (mM7)

   • Comprises a root, minor third, perfect fifth, and major seventh.
   • Combines the somber quality of a minor chord with the brightness of a major seventh, creating a unique sound.
   • Notated as "mM7" in chord symbols.

7. Diatonic seventh chords in major keys

   • Each scale degree in a major key can produce a seventh chord, resulting in seven diatonic chords.
   • The chords are built on the notes of the major scale, with specific qualities (maj7, min7, 7, etc.).
   • The I, IV, and V chords are typically major or dominant, while ii, iii, and vi are minor.

8. Diatonic seventh chords in minor keys

   • Similar to major keys, but the quality of the chords changes due to the natural minor scale.
   • The i, iv, and v chords are typically minor, while the VII chord is often major or dominant.
   • The harmonic minor scale can alter the v chord to a dominant seventh.

9. Chord symbols and notation

   • Chord symbols provide a shorthand for musicians to understand the harmonic structure.
   • Common symbols include "maj7," "min7," "7," "ø7," "°7," and "mM7."
   • Understanding these symbols is crucial for reading and interpreting music.

10. Inversions of seventh chords

• Inversions change the bass note of the chord, affecting its sound and function.
• The root position has the root as the lowest note, while first, second, and third inversions rearrange the chord tones.
• Inversions can create smoother voice leading and enhance harmonic progression.