Are 7Th Chords Major Or Minor? Exploring Musical Harmony

Is it possible to create a major seventh chord? Absolutely! To construct a major seventh chord, begin with the foundation of a major triad, which consists of three notes: the root, a major third, and a fifth. For instance, if we take a C major triad, it comprises the notes C, E, and G. To transform this into a major seventh chord, you simply introduce the seventh scale degree, which in this case is B. So, for a C major seventh chord, you would use the notes C, E, G, and B. This addition of the seventh note brings a unique and delightful quality to the chord, expanding its harmonic richness and creating a distinct musical character. This concept allows musicians to infuse their compositions with a broader range of emotions and tonal possibilities.

The question of whether a dominant seventh chord is major or minor can be clarified by examining its constituent intervals in relation to the root note. A dominant seventh chord is constructed using a major third interval, which is the distance between the root note and the note a major third above it (commonly known as the dominant-leading note). Additionally, it includes a perfect fifth interval, which is the distance between the root note and the note a perfect fifth above it (often referred to as the dominant-supertonic). Lastly, a minor seventh interval is present, which is the distance between the root note and the note a minor seventh above it (referred to as the dominant-subdominant). When analyzing these intervals, we find that all dominant seventh chords inherently contain a major third, making them inherently major chords, irrespective of the key in which they are played. Therefore, a dominant seventh chord is a major chord by its structural composition.

What distinguishes a “7” from a “maj7” chord is the type of seventh interval employed. In a standard G7 chord, also referred to as a dominant seventh chord, you have a G-major triad (G B D) with a minor seventh interval (F) added to it, creating the notes G B D F. On the other hand, a Gmaj7 or GM7 chord features a G-major triad (G B D) but includes a major seventh interval (F#), resulting in the notes G B D F#. This distinction in the seventh interval alters the character and sound of the chord, providing unique harmonic qualities and contributing to its overall musical context.