  
3
7th
chord symbols
Seventh chords can be labeled exactly as triads are.
They are named by their roots by:
- letter name (of the root) followed by a superscript 7 (e.g.,
)
- scale-degree name (of the root) followed by the word seventh
(e.g., tonic seventh)
- Roman numeral (of the root) followed by
a superscript 7 (e.g.,
)
Because there are additional chord qualities for seventh chords,
an explanation concerning the use of Roman numerals follows:
Following are the Roman numeral symbols for each of the chords
in a major and minor scale. The more commonly used chords of the
harmonic form of the minor mode are noted.
Major
scale 7th chords
|
Scale
degree
|
Chord
symbol
|
Chord
name
|
 |
1
|
|
tonic |
2
|
|
supertonic |
3
|
|
mediant |
4
|
|
subdominant |
5
|
|
dominant |
6
|
|
submediant |
7
|
|
leading tone |
|
Minor
scale 7th chords
|
Scale
degree
|
Chord
symbol
|
Chord
name
|
 |
1
|
|
tonic |
2
|
|
supertonic |
3
|
|
mediant |
4
|
|
subdominant |
5
|
|
("minor")
dominant
dominant |
6
|
|
submediant |
7
|
|
subtonic (Mm7)
leading tone |
|
Study closely how the following seventh chords are labeled. Notice
that the chord quality MUST take into consideration the key signature.
Also, the harmonic version (raised 7th scale degree) of the minor
mode is sometimes used.


  
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