46 Dominant Seventh Chords

Our harmonic vocabulary has been limited so far to the tonic (I), subdominant (IV), and dominant (V) triads. Composers frequently add a seventh to the dominant triad to form the dominant seventh chord (V7). The added seventh increases harmonic tension.

The dominant seventh chord can appear in root position, first inversion, second inversion, or third inversion.

We will generally use the dominant seventh chord in first inversion, since this is the closest position of the V7 to the root position tonic triad. The fifth of the V7 (re) may be omitted.

46.1

Practice moving between I and V7 in each hand. Transpose this pattern to all major keys.

46.2

Practice the I–IV–I–V7–I progression. Start hands separately, then proceed to hands together. Transpose this pattern to all major keys.

46.3

Practice this progression in keyboard style.