Spelling Seventh Chords

Spelling Seventh Chords

Chapter 8​

Spelling Seventh Chords

To spell (or write) a seventh chord, begin by writing the triad. Then, add the required seventh above the root. You can also stack by thirds. A major seventh chord is M3 m3 M3. A dominant seventh chord is M3 m3 m3. A minor seventh chord is m3 M3 m3. A half diminished seventh chord is m3 m3 M3. A fully diminished seventh chord is m3 m3 m3.

You can also check the quality of the seventh by inverting it to a second. That way you can check for a half step (m2) or whole step (M2). If the second is minor, the seventh is major. If the second is major, the seventh is minor. If the second is augmented, the seventh is diminished.

Checking Your Work

Fill in the Blank

What are the notes in a D major 7th chord? Write your answer in the order of root, third, fifth, seventh (e.g. C# E G B).

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What are the notes in an F minor 7th chord? Write your answer in the order of root, third, fifth, seventh (e.g. C# E G B).

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What are the notes in an A dominant 7th chord? Write your answer in the order of root, third, fifth, seventh (e.g. C# E G B).

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What are the notes in a Bb half-diminished 7th chord? Write your answer in the order of root, third, fifth, seventh (e.g. C# E G B).

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What are the notes in a Bb fully diminished 7th chord? Write your answer in the order of root, third, fifth, seventh (e.g. C# E G B).

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What are the notes in a E major 7th chord? Write your answer in the order of root, third, fifth, seventh (e.g. C# E G B).

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What are the notes in a F# minor 7th chord? Write your answer in the order of root, third, fifth, seventh (e.g. C# E G B).

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What are the notes in a G fully diminished 7th chord? Write your answer in the order of root, third, fifth, seventh (e.g. C# E G B).

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What are the notes in a Db dominant 7th chord? Write your answer in the order of root, third, fifth, seventh (e.g. C# E G B).

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What are the notes in an A half-diminished 7th chord? Write your answer in the order of root, third, fifth, seventh (e.g. C# E G B).

Open Ended

What questions do you have about spelling seventh chords?