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Seventh chords are used as motivic devices in Jazz harmony.

Jazz Seventh Chords



A seventh chord consists of a triad plus the seventh interval above the root. When not
otherwise specified, a seventh chord is usually a major triad with an added minor seventh.

Chord NameConstruction
Dominant SeventhDominant degree of the major, harmonic & melodic minor scales.
Major SeventhThe triad and the seventh are major.
Minor SeventhThe triad and the seventh are minor.
Diminished SeventhThe triad and the seventh are diminished.
Half Diminished SeventhThe triad is diminished, but the seventh is minor.

The name given to major, minor & diminished seventh chords is
determined by type of triad & seventh interval which they are built.

Chord NameScale & Degree Where Found
MajorNatural MinorHarmonic MinorMelodic Minor
Dominant SeventhVVIIVIV, V
Major SeventhI, IVIII, VIVI 
Minor SeventhII, III, VII, IV, VIVII
Diminished Seventh  VII 
Half Diminished SeventhVIIIIIIVI, VII



 

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