How to play dominant seventh chords
Dominant seventh chords are a common chord type in music and are widely used in pop, jazz, classical and other music styles. This article will introduce in detail the composition, fingering and practical application of the dominant seventh chord to help beginners and advanced players better master the playing skills of this chord.
1. The composition of dominant seventh chords

Dominant seventh chords are composed of four tones, namely root, major third, perfect fifth and minor seventh. Here is an example of a C dominant seventh chord:
| interval | Sound name |
|---|---|
| root note | C |
| Major third degree | E |
| perfect fifth | G |
| minor seventh degree | Bb |
2. Fingering of dominant seventh chord (taking guitar as an example)
The following are several common dominant seventh chord fingerings suitable for guitar playing:
| Chord name | Fingering diagram | fretted position |
|---|---|---|
| C7 | 032010 | Use 1 finger on the 1st fret of the B string and 2 fingers on the 2nd fret of the D string. |
| G7 | 320001 | Use 1 finger on the 1st fret of the E string and 2 fingers on the 2nd fret of the A string. |
| D7 | xx0212 | Use 1 finger on the 1st fret of the B string and 2 fingers on the 2nd fret of the E string. |
3. Application scenarios of dominant seventh chords
Dominant seventh chords are often used in the following situations in music:
1.blues music: The dominant seventh chord is the iconic chord of blues music and is often used in 12-bar blues progressions.
2.Jazz: The dominant seventh chord is an important chord type in jazz and is often used as a transitional chord or an alternative chord.
3.pop music: The dominant seventh chord can add color to pop music and is often used in chorus or bridge parts.
4. Techniques for practicing dominant seventh chords
1.practice slowly: Play slowly first to make sure every note is clear.
2.conversion exercise: Practice quick transitions between dominant seventh chords and other chords.
3.Application exercises: Practice using dominant seventh chords in actual songs.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
| question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why do my dominant seventh chords sound dull? | It could be that your fingers are not pressing the actual strings, or that other strings are being touched accidentally. |
| What is the difference between a dominant seventh chord and a major seventh chord? | Dominant seventh chords are minor sevenths, and major seventh chords are major sevenths. |
| How to play dominant 7th chords on the piano? | The left hand plays the root note, and the right hand plays the other three notes (major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh). |
6. Summary
Dominant seventh chords are a very important chord type in music creation and performance. By understanding its composition, mastering the fingering, and applying it in actual music, you can greatly enrich your musical expression. It is recommended to spend 10-15 minutes every day practicing dominant seventh chords, and you will see progress quickly.
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