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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:

7th-chord Roman numerals major 7ths use uppercase numerals (e.g., ) minor 7ths use lowercase numerals (e.g., ) major-minor 7ths use uppercase numeral (V) (e.g., ) This chord is encountered almost exclusively on the fifth scale degree. That is why it is commonly called the "dominant 7th.") 1/2-dim. 7ths use lowercase numerals with a small superscript () (e.g., ) fully-dim. 7ths use lowercase numerals with a small superscript (o) (e.g., )

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 (harmonic minor) ("minor") dominant dominant 6 submediant 7 (harmonic minor) 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.