Open Chords Part 2 - Dom 7th, Minor 7th and Major 7th Chords

By Marc Read

In this lesson we are continuing on what was discussed in Open Chords Part 1. Today we will be introducing dominant 7 chords (also called Dom 7th), and minor 7th and Major 7th chords.

In the Open Chords Part 1 we had discussed some theory on how the different chords were made. We talked about how the root, 3rd, and 5th makes up a major chord and the root, flat 3rd, and 5th make up a minor chord.

Some General Music Theory
From Open Chords Part 1 we discussed that a major chord was constructed with the root, 3rd, and 5th notes of the major scale. When playing a major 7th chord all we are doing is adding the 7th note of the scale into the chord as well.

As you can see by adding the 7th note of the major scale we get a major 7th chord. It would be safe to assume that the same would work with a minor scale to create a minor 7th chord and you would be absolutely correct.

The Dominant 7th chord is a bit of a hybrid between the major and minor 7th chords. To create a Dom 7th you will start with root, 3rd and 5th of the major scale but adding the flat 7th of the minor scale.

The Major 7th Open Chords

A Major 7th
B Major 7th
C Major 7th
D Major 7th
A Major 7th B Major 7th D Major 7th
E Major 7th
F Major 7th
G Major 7th
 
E Major 7th F Major 7th  

The Minor 7th Open Chords

A Minor 7th
B Minor 7th
C Minor 7th
D Minor 7th
A Minor 7th B Minor 7th C Minor 7th D Minor 7th
E Minor 7th
F Minor 7th
G Minor 7th
E Minor 7th F Minor 7th G Minor 7th  

The Dominate 7th Open Chords

A Dominate 7th
B Dominate 7th
C Dominate 7th
D Dominate 7th
A Dominate 7th B Dominate 7th C Dominate 7th D Dominate 7th
E Dominate 7th
F Dominate 7th
G Dominate 7th
E Dominate 7th F Dominate 7th G Dominate 7th  

Homework

To practice this lesson, work on properly fingering each chord and strum it several times. Once you feel comfortable playing it move to the next chord. Work on effectively switching between the two chords. Don't worry about speed right now. Work on playing the chord correctly and changing chords smoothly. Speed will come on its own.

Most importantly have fun!!

Once you have a few chords under your belt, check out the Extras Section, I'll include some good old strumming songs you can practice with.

Have questions? Check out our forum on this lesson Open Chords Part II

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