seventh chord: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical (Music)
Quick answer
What does “seventh chord” mean?
A chord consisting of a triad plus a note forming the interval of a seventh above the chord's root.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chord consisting of a triad plus a note forming the interval of a seventh above the chord's root.
A foundational harmonic structure in tonal music (especially jazz, blues, and classical) that creates tension and a drive towards resolution. In popular music theory, it often specifically denotes a dominant seventh chord.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Pronunciations of 'seventh' may vary slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and technical in both regions, used exclusively in musical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “seventh chord” in a Sentence
[verb] a seventh chord (play, resolve, voice, invert)a seventh chord [verb] (resolves, sounds, functions)a seventh chord of [type] (of the dominant, of G major)a seventh chord on [note] (on C, on the fifth degree)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in musicology, theory, and composition papers and lectures.
Everyday
Virtually never used unless discussing music.
Technical
The primary domain of use: music theory, instrumental/vocal pedagogy, composition, and analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “seventh chord”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “seventh chord”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “seventh chord”
- Pronouncing 'seventh' as /ˈsiːvənθ/ instead of /ˈsɛvənθ/.
- Using 'seventh chord' to refer to any dissonant chord.
- Forgetting to specify the type (major seventh, dominant seventh, etc.) when precision is required.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While 'dominant seventh' is very common, a seventh chord is a category that includes major sevenths, minor sevenths, half-diminished sevenths, and fully diminished sevenths. Context often specifies which type.
It is named for the interval between the lowest note (the root) and the highest added note, which is a seventh (e.g., from C to B or C to B♭).
In traditional Western harmony, seventh chords are considered dissonant due to the interval of a seventh (or its compound), which requires resolution. However, in modern jazz and popular music, some seventh chords (like major seventh chords) are treated as relatively stable, colouristic sonorities.
Common symbols include: G7 (dominant seventh), Gmaj7 (major seventh), Gmin7 or Gm7 (minor seventh), Gø7 (half-diminished seventh), and G°7 (fully diminished seventh).
A chord consisting of a triad plus a note forming the interval of a seventh above the chord's root.
Seventh chord is usually technical (music) in register.
Seventh chord: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɛv(ə)nθ ˈkɔːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛvənθ ˈkɔːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Triad + One': A triad has three notes (root, third, fifth); a seventh chord adds a fourth note that is seven steps up the scale from the root.
Conceptual Metaphor
HARMONY IS TENSION AND RELEASE (A seventh chord is a 'tense' structure that 'wants' to move or 'resolve' to a more stable chord).
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a seventh chord?