4 MIN · UNDERSTAND & PLAY
The colour of sevenths
An idea to hear, see and put under your fingers.
A fourth note
Add B to C–E–G to get Cmaj7. This major seventh is 11 semitones above C. Listen to its tension against the root.
Your turn
Listen with and without B. Sing that fourth note.
7 and maj7: two colours
C7 contains B♭; Cmaj7 contains B. A plain 7 here indicates a major third and a minor seventh. In C major, G7 often leads to C: try this in the progression workshop.
Your turn
Compare the two chords, then play G7 → C. Let C ring.
Check your understanding
Which note distinguishes C7 and Cmaj7?
See the explanation
The seventh is minor in C7 and major in Cmaj7.
Turn words into sound.
Find this lesson in the workshops to hear examples, compare chords and answer the quiz.
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