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7th chords explained

If basic triads sound a little plain to you, 7th chords are the next step. They're the secret behind the lush sound of jazz, soul, neo-soul, and R&B — and they're easier than they look.

A 7th chord is a triad plus one note

Take an ordinary three-note chord and add the note a 7th above the root, and you get a 7th chord. That one extra note adds richness and a sense of motion. The three you'll meet most are major 7 (dreamy), minor 7 (smooth), and dominant 7 (bluesy, wants to resolve).

How each one feels

Major 7 (e.g. Cmaj7) sounds warm and floating — think soft soul ballads. Minor 7 (e.g. Dm7) is mellow and relaxed. Dominant 7 (e.g. G7) carries tension that pulls toward the home chord, which is why it shows up at the end of so many phrases and all over the blues.

Hear them in context

7th chords make the most sense when you hear them moving. Generate a neo-soul or jazz groove in GrooveWithin — the progressions are full of 7th chords — and the deck shows the exact notes and voicings while the band plays them, so you connect the name to the sound.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a major 7 and a dominant 7 chord?

A major 7 chord has a major third and a major seventh (warm, restful). A dominant 7 has a major third but a flat seventh (tense, wanting to resolve). Cmaj7 vs. C7 is the classic comparison.

When should I use 7th chords?

Any time you want a richer, more sophisticated sound than plain triads — they're essential in jazz, soul, gospel, and R&B, and a single 7th chord can instantly upgrade a simple pop progression.