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A seventh chord is a chord that contains four different notes, typically consisting of a root, third, fifth and seventh. Seventh chords are among the most important harmonic structures in modern music.
What is a seventh chord?
A seventh chord extends a basic triad by adding a seventh above the root. Common types include major seventh (maj7), minor seventh (m7), dominant seventh (7) and half-diminished seventh (m7♭5).
Adding the seventh creates a richer harmonic sound and introduces additional color or tension compared with a simple triad.
How are seventh chords used in piano playing?
Seventh chords are essential in jazz, blues, gospel, soul and contemporary pop music. Piano players often perform them using different voicings that improve voice leading and create a balanced harmonic texture.
Learning seventh chords is an important step toward more advanced harmony, accompaniment and improvisation.