Seventh Chord: A chord consisting of four notes, built by stacking three thirds on top of each other, typically including a root, third, fifth, and seventh.
Context and Significance
Seventh chords are fundamental in creating harmony and tension in various music genres, including jazz, blues, and classical. These chords add depth, complexity, and a sense of progression to compositions, often used to resolve to tonic or dominant chords. On the piano, guitar, and other harmonic instruments, seventh chords are utilized to enrich the musical texture and support melodic lines.
Historical Background
The seventh chord’s origin dates back to the Baroque period when composers began exploring more complex harmonic structures. As music evolved into the Classical and Romantic eras, the use of seventh chords became more prevalent, allowing composers to express heightened emotions and intricate musical ideas. The development of jazz in the 20th century further cemented the seventh chord’s role as a staple in modern music.
Examples
Seventh chords are prominently featured in compositions like Debussy’s “Clair de Lune,” where they contribute to the piece’s lush harmonies. In jazz, Miles Davis’s “So What” uses seventh chords to establish its iconic modal sound. Guitarists like Wes Montgomery have creatively employed seventh chords to enhance their improvisational phrases and chord progressions.
Related Terms
Triad: A three-note chord forming the basis of seventh chords.
Dominant Seventh: A specific type of seventh chord with a major triad and minor seventh.
Extended Chords: Chords that include notes beyond the seventh, such as the ninth, eleventh, or thirteenth.