Piano Chords...Major 7th and Minor 7th ChordsWe shall begin our studies of 7th chords with the Major 7th piano chords. A major 7th chord is constructed by combining the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th tones (notes) of a major scale. This represents an interval combination of root (1st), major third (3rd), perfect fifth (5th) and major seventh (7th). So to form a C major 7th we would use the scale tones C, E, G, and B. The symbols for a major 7th are Major 7, M7 or Maj7. Whenever you see these symbols or names following a piano note (C, D, Eb, etc.), this designates that a major 7th chord is to be played.All major 7th chords are constructed using this simple rule. With this knowledge you can now form a major 7th piano chord from any tone (note) on the piano. Rather than provide you with more examples here, go to Chordhouse.com piano chord finder and view as many major 7th piano chords as you like. All you have to do is select the chord name (B, F#, Ab, etc.) and then select "Major 7". You can then see how the chord(s) are formed on their "virtual piano keyboard". This will open up a new window so when you are done simply close that page and you will be brought back here. When you practice these major 7th chords, I recommend you construct them using the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th fingers of your right hand. Thumb (1st), pointer finger (2nd), middle finger (3rd) and pinky (5th). For your left hand I recommend using the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th fingers with your pinky (1st), middle finger (3rd), pointer finger (4th) and thumb (5th). If it is difficult making these chords continuing practicing both your scales and triad chords. Soon you will develope more finger control and flexibility and be able to make the "stretch". As I stated earlier, you construct major 7th piano chords by combining the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th tones (notes) of a major scale. By lowering the 3rd and 7th tones (notes) a half step you now have a minor 7th piano chord. The interval combination is root (1st), minor third (b3rd), perfect fifth (5th), and minor seventh (b7th). The b3rd is the symbol for "flatted 3rd" and b7th is the symbol for "flatted 7th". As stated this means the 3rd and 7th tones (notes) of the major scale are lowered a half step. Using this rule for minor 7th chords a C minor 7th chord would consist of the tones (notes) C, D#/Eb, G, and A#/Bb. The symbols for a minor 7th chord are m7, min7, and -7. If you see these names or symbols following a piano note (C, D, F#, etc.) you know that a minor 7th chord is to be played. With this knowledge you can now construct a minor 7th chord from any point (key) on the piano. To view some minor 7th piano chords go to Chordhouse.com's piano chord finder. Just select the chord name (C, G, Ab, etc.) and then select "minor 7". The chord will be highlighted for you on our "virtual piano keyboard". This will open up a new window so when you are done close our piano chord finder page and you will be brought back here. When you practice these minor 7th piano chords, I recommend you construct them using the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th fingers of your right hand. Thumb (1st), pointer finger (2nd), middle finger (3rd) and pinky (5th). For your left hand I recommend using the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th fingers with your pinky (1st), middle finger (3rd), pointer finger (4th) and thumb (5th). Continue practicing your major 7th and minor 7th piano chords. When your ready lets move on with our study on 7th chords to the Dominant 7th and Half Diminished 7th chords! |