Dominant 7th piano chords
Dominant 7th piano chords are constructed by combining the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and b7th tones of a major scale. The symbol b7th means “flatted 7th” so you would lower the 7th tone (note) of the major scale a half step.
This would make the interval combination root (1st), major third (3rd), perfect fifth (5th), and minor seventh (b7th).
So to form a C dominant 7th we would use the scale tones C, E, G, and A#/Bb. The symbols for a dominant 7th chord are 7, Dominant 7, or Dominant seventh.
Whenever you see these symbols or names following a piano note (C, D, Eb, etc.), this designates that a dominant 7th chord is to be played.
You now have the knowledge to construct a dominant 7th chord at any point on the keyboard.
When you practice these dominant 7th piano chords, I recommend you construct them using the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th fingers of your right hand.
Thumb (1st) root note, pointer finger (2nd) major third note, middle finger (3rd) perfect fifth note and pinky (5th) minor 7th note.
The same numbering system applies for the left hand except that the root note will be pinky (5th), middle finger (3rd) major third note, pointer finger (2nd) perfect fifth note, and thumb (1st) minor 7th note.
If it is difficult making these chords continuing practicing both your scales, triad chords, and other 7th chords. Soon you will develop more finger control and flexibility and be able to make the “stretch”.
You can go to our virtual piano keyboard below and view some dominant 7th chords.
All you need to do is click on the tone (note) of the chord you wish to see (C,D,G#, etc.) and then click dominant 7 and the chord will be highlighted for you on the keyboard and on the treble and/or bass clef.
Half diminished 7th piano chords
The Half diminished 7th piano chord is constructed by combining the 1st, b3rd, b5th, and b7th tones (notes) of a major scale. This means that, with the exception of the root (1st) tone all other tones (notes) are lowered a half step.
You have learned from previous studies that a “b” preceeding a tone (note) means you lower that particular note (C,D, Eb, etc) a half step. This makes the interval combination a root (1st), minor third (b3rd), diminished fifth (b5th), and minor seventh (b7th).
A diminished fifth is a new term in our studies and is the name given to a perfect tone (note) which is lowered a half step.
So using these interval combinations a C half diminished chord would consist of the tones (notes) C, D#/Eb, F#/Gb, and A#/Bb. The symbols for a half diminished piano chord are 1/2dim, 1/2dim7, m7(b5), and m7(-5).
Whenever you see these names or symbols following a piano note (C,F,A#, etc.) this designates that you play a half diminished 7th chord. You now know the rules for forming a half diminished 7th chord at any point on the piano keyboard.
When you practice these half diminished 7th chords, I recommend you construct them using the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th fingers of your right hand.
Thumb (1st) root note, pointer finger (2nd) major third note, middle finger (3rd) perfect fifth note and pinky (5th) minor 7th note.
The same numbering system applies for the left hand except that the root note will be pinky (5th), middle finger (3rd) major third note, pointer finger (2nd) perfect fifth note, and thumb (1st) minor 7th note.
If it is difficult making these chords continuing practicing both your scales, triad chords, and other 7th chords. Soon you will develop more finger control and flexibility and be able to make the “stretch”.
As with all the 7th chords you have been learning, to view how a half diminished 7th chord looks, go to our virtual piano keyboard below and click on the tone (note) of the chord you wish to see (C,D,G#, etc.).
Then click half diminished 7th and the chord will be highlighted for you on the keyboard as well as it’s location on the treble and/or bass clef.