The formula for a major 7th chord is built upon the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th tones of a major scale. This means it consists of the root, a major third, a perfect fifth, and a major seventh above the root.
Understanding Major 7th Chords
Major 7th chords are fundamental structures in music theory, adding a rich, sophisticated sound compared to basic major triads. They are essential for jazz, R&B, pop, and many other genres, providing a sense of warmth and resolution.
Construction Methods
There are two primary ways to construct a major 7th chord:
- From the Major Scale: Identify the root note (1st tone) of a major scale, then select its 3rd, 5th, and 7th tones. These four notes together form the major 7th chord.
- From a Major Triad: Start with a standard major triad (root, major third, perfect fifth). Then, add a major 7th interval above the root. This means the seventh note added will be one half-step below the octave of the root.
The Chord Tones
To visualize the components of a major 7th chord, consider the following structure:
| Chord Tone | Scale Degree | Interval from Root |
|---|---|---|
| Root | 1st | Unison |
| Major Third | 3rd | Major 3rd |
| Perfect Fifth | 5th | Perfect 5th |
| Major Seventh | 7th | Major 7th |
Example: C Major 7 Chord
To illustrate, let's construct a C Major 7 chord:
- C Major Scale: C – D – E – F – G – A – B – C
- 1st Tone (Root): C
- 3rd Tone (Major Third): E
- 5th Tone (Perfect Fifth): G
- 7th Tone (Major Seventh): B
Therefore, the notes that form a C Major 7 chord are C–E–G–B.
Understanding this formula is crucial for both theoretical comprehension and practical application in playing and composing music. For more on chord theory, you can explore resources on music theory fundamentals.
