A 7th chord (or “7 chord”) on guitar is a chord that includes four notes: the root, third, fifth, and a seventh.
This extra seventh note gives the chord a richer, more complex sound compared to basic major or minor chords.
7th chords are essential in blues, jazz, rock, and pop music, adding tension, mood, and sophistication to progressions.
Here’s Mike’s take on 7 chords on guitar:
If you enjoyed the video and Mike’s teaching style resonates with you, check out more of his lessons here.
How Do 7th Chords Work?
Think of a 7th chord as a regular major or minor chord but with an added note—the seventh—which changes how the chord sounds and feels. The type of seventh (major or minor) determines what kind of 7th chord it is.
Types of 7th Chords
Major 7th (Maj7 or M7)
Formula: Root – Major 3rd – Perfect 5th – Major 7th
Sound: Smooth, dreamy, jazzy
Example: Cmaj7 (C – E – G – B)
Dominant 7th (7)
Formula: Root – Major 3rd – Perfect 5th – Minor 7th
Sound: Bluesy, slightly tense, used in rock, blues, and funk
Example: C7 (C – E – G – Bb)
Minor 7th (m7)
Formula: Root – Minor 3rd – Perfect 5th – Minor 7th
Sound: Warm, jazzy, soulful
Example: Cm7 (C – Eb – G – Bb)
Minor Major 7th (mMaj7)
Formula: Root – Minor 3rd – Perfect 5th – Major 7th
Sound: Mysterious, exotic, used in jazz
Example: CmMaj7 (C – Eb – G – B)
Half-Diminished 7th (m7♭5 or ø7)
Formula: Root – Minor 3rd – Diminished 5th – Minor 7th
Sound: Dark, unresolved, jazzy
Example: Cø7 (C – Eb – Gb – Bb)
Diminished 7th (dim7 or °7)
Formula: Root – Minor 3rd – Diminished 5th – Diminished 7th
Sound: Dramatic, unstable, suspenseful
Example: Cdim7 (C – Eb – Gb – Bbb (A))
How to Play 7th Chords on Guitar
7th chords can be played in open position (great for beginners) or as barre chords (more advanced but versatile). Here are some easy examples:
Open C7: X32310
Open G7: 320001
Barre A7: 575655
Why use 7th Chords?
7th chords add emotion and depth to your playing, making chords sound fuller and more interesting.
They are essential in blues and jazz, with dominant 7th chords forming the backbone of many blues progressions and major and minor 7ths adding sophistication to jazz.
These chords also help create smoother transitions between chords, making progressions sound more natural and expressive.
Beyond blues and jazz, 7th chords appear in a wide range of genres, including rock, funk, R&B, soul, and pop, proving their versatility in shaping dynamic and engaging music.
7th Chords vs. Regular Chords
A C Major (C) chord has three notes: C – E – G.
A C7 (Dominant 7) chord has four notes: C – E – G – Bb.
That extra Bb in C7 gives it a bluesy, unresolved feel.
Famous Songs Using 7th Chords
Want to hear 7th chords in action? Check out these songs (YouTube Links):
“Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd (uses G7)
“Hey Joe” – Jimi Hendrix (lots of dominant 7ths)
“Something” – The Beatles (Major 7ths for smooth, jazzy sound)
“Purple Haze” – Jimi Hendrix (Diminished 7ths for tension)
In Short
7th chords take basic major and minor chords and add more flavor by including a seventh note. Depending on the type of seventh used, you get different emotional effects—bluesy, jazzy, dreamy, or even tense. They are a must-learn if you want to play blues, jazz, rock, or funk!
Now, don’t confuse 7th chords with extended chords (like 9ths or 11ths). Think of it like this:
Basic major/minor chords = Simple and solid foundation
7th chords = More color and depth
Extended chords (9ths, 11ths, etc.) = Even richer and more complex
Mastering 7th chords will instantly level up your guitar playing and give you a more professional, expressive sound. So go grab your guitar and try them out…