Major 7th piano chords
We shall begin our studies of 7th chords with the Major 7th piano chords. A major 7th chord is constructed by combining the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th tones (notes) of a major scale.
This represents an interval combination of root (1st), major third (3rd), perfect fifth (5th) and major seventh (7th).
So to form a C major 7th we would use the scale tones C, E, G, and B. The symbols for a major 7th are Major 7, M7 or Maj7.
Whenever you see these symbols or names following a piano note (C, D, Eb, etc.), this designates that a major 7th chord is to be played.
All major 7th chords are constructed using this simple rule. With this knowledge you can now form a major 7th piano chord from any tone (note) on the piano.
Rather than provide you with more examples here, go to our piano chord finder below and view as many major 7th chords as you like.
All you have to do is select the chord name (B, F#, Ab, etc.) and then select “Major 7”. You can then see how the chord(s) are formed on our “virtual piano keyboard” and there location on the treble and/or bass clef.
When you practice these major 7th chords, I recommend you construct them using the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th fingers of your right hand.
Thumb (1st) for the root note, pointer finger (2nd) for the major third note, middle finger (3rd) for the perfect fifth note and pinky (5th) for the major seventh note.
You will use the same numbering system for your left hand with the pinky (5th) play the root note, middle finger (3rd) playing the major third note, pointer finger (2nd) playing the perfect fifth note and your thumb (1st) will play the major seventh note.
If it is difficult making these chords continuing practicing both your scales and triad chords. Soon you will develop more finger control and flexibility and be able to make the “stretch” necessary to play the major 7th and other 7th piano chords.
Minor 7th piano chords
A minor 7th chord is constructed by combining the 1st, b3rd, 5th, and b7th tones (notes) of a major scale. This means your lower the third and 7th tones or notes a half step from there natural position.
The interval combination is root (1st), minor third (b3rd), perfect fifth (5th), and minor seventh (b7th). The b3rd is the symbol for “flatted 3rd” and b7th is the symbol for “flatted 7th”. As stated this means the 3rd and 7th tones (notes) of the major scale are lowered a half step.
Using this rule for minor 7th chords a C minor 7th chord would consist of the tones (notes) C, D#/Eb, G, and A#/Bb. The symbols for a minor 7th chord are m7, min7, and -7.
If you see these names or symbols following a piano note (C, D, F#, etc.) you know that a minor 7th chord is to be played. With this knowledge you can now construct a minor 7th chord from any point (key) on the piano.
When you practice these minor 7th chords, I recommend you construct them using the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th fingers of your right hand.
Thumb (1st) plays the root note, pointer finger (2nd) for the minor third note, middle finger (3rd) for the perfect fifth note and pinky (5th) for the minor seventh note.
You will use the same numbering system for your left hand with the pinky (5th) play the root note, middle finger (3rd) playing the minor third note, pointer finger (2nd) playing the perfect fifth note and your thumb (1st) will play the minor seventh note.
If it is difficult making these chords continuing practicing both your scales and triad chords. Soon you will develop more finger control and flexibility and be able to make the “stretch” necessary to play the minor 7th and other 7th chords.
To view some minor 7th chords go to our virtual piano keyboard below. Just select the chord name (C, G, Ab, etc.) and then select “minor 7”.
The chord will be highlighted for you as well as it’s position on the treble and/or bass clef.