THE DOMINANT SEVENTH CHORD

In this issue I would like to talk about the dominant seventh chord, which I believe to be the MOST IMPORTANT CHORD in our music culture.  I say this because it has a driving force; that is to say, it has the power to pull our ears towards another chord.

This chord in a major or most minor scales is the fifth of the seven different chords.  In C major the order is:

1. C major 7   2.  D minor 7  3. E minor 7  4.  F major 7   5.  G DOMINANT 7   6.  A minor 7   7.  B diminished

So, you will see that the only major chord with a minor 7 is the fifth chord (G in this case).  IT IS THE CHORD THAT IS SITUATED IMMEDIATELY AT THE RIGHT IN THE CIRCLE OF CHORDS.

The power comes from the pull that is created from the 3rd and the 7th of the chord (the B and F).  This pulls us toward the E and C. Try it on the keyboard.  If you add the C to the notes you will see that it leads you to the C chord, which establishes the scale in our hearing. Try it on your keyboard.

So what?  Well you will note that it is usually the second last chord in a song. You will also see that is usually precedes the first chord in a song. Also, if you play a dominant seventh chord prior to beginning a song you may hear the starting note and the tune in your ear (this is a good way to develop you ear playing),  You could use it to change the key in a song, perhaps in the second verse to keep the song interesting or to give it new life.

And, because it is the only dominant chord in a major scale, it also hints at the scale within a song, allowing you to improvise away from the melody, another technique to add interest to your playing.  You see, even though a song may have a key signature, the scales that it contains change within it.  For instance, if a measure contains a dominant seventh chord that doesn't belong to the scale of the key signature, you should think of the scale that it DOES belong to and stay within that  scale during the measure.  If you don't,, the notes may clash and not sound pleasant.

To further understand this concept, ask me at your next lesson or Email me.  I love talking about this interesting chord.

Membership in the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) is available to all organists and organ enthusiasts. You do not need to be an accomplished musician to join. Call or Email me if you would like an application form or more info regarding membership.