Dominant Seventh Chords
What is a major dominant seventh chord?
A major dominant seventh chord is a four-note chord, which consists of four notes: the root, the major third, the perfect fifth, and the minor seventh.
Major Dominant Seventh Chord Formula: 1-3-5-b7
The formula 1-3-5-b7 represents the intervallic structure of a major dominant seventh chord:
- 1: The root note of the chord.
- 3: The major third.
- 5: The perfect fifth.
- b7: The minor seventh.
For example, in a C major dominant seventh chord:
- Root note (1): C
- Major third (3): E
- Perfect fifth (5): G
- Minor seventh (b7): Bb
The combination of these four notes (C, E, G, Bb) creates the sound of a C major dominant seventh chord.
Characteristic of Major Dominant Seventh Chords Resolving to the I Chord (V-I Resolution)
1. Tension and Resolution: The dominant seventh chord, due to the presence of the minor seventh interval, generates a feeling of tension and instability. This tension creates an expectation in the listener's ear for resolution.
2. Sense of Direction: The V7 chord, being a strong and active chord, naturally wants to progress to a more stable chord. Moving from the dominant seventh chord to the tonic chord provides a sense of forward motion and direction in the music.
3. Finality and Closure: When the dominant seventh chord resolves to the tonic chord, it brings a sense of resolution and completion to the musical phrase or section. This resolution is often perceived as satisfying and conclusive.
In the Context of Blues:
In blues music, the V-I resolution is often altered, and the dominant seventh chord may not always resolve to the tonic chord in the traditional way. Blues music frequently employs what is known as a "dominant to tonic" or "V-I" cadence, where the V7 chord is followed by the tonic chord, but with some variations. For instance, in the 12-bar blues progression, the V7 chord often resolves to a different chord before reaching the tonic chord, creating a distinctive and characteristic sound in the blues genre.
In summary, the characteristic of major dominant seventh chords resolving to the I chord involves tension and resolution, a sense of direction, and a feeling of finality and closure. While this resolution is common in many styles of music, blues music provides a unique twist on the traditional V-I cadence, making it a defining feature of the blues genre.
Playing Major Dominant Seventh Chords
On a piano or keyboard, major dominant seventh chords are typically played by pressing the root note, the major third, the perfect fifth, and the minor seventh.
In guitar playing, major dominant seventh chords are formed by pressing down specific combinations of strings and frets, following chord diagrams or finger positions.
