18. Seventh Chords
Identifying Chord Members
For each of the following seventh chords, write the pitch letter name of the root, third, fifth, and seventh on the lines below.
Seventh Chord Quality Table
Complete the table below by writing the names of the various intervals found in each seventh chord quality.
| seventh chord quality | interval between root and third | interval between root and fifth | interval between root and seventh |
|---|---|---|---|
|
major-major (MM)
|
M3 |
P5 |
M7 |
|
major-minor (Mm)
|
M3 |
P5 |
m7 |
|
minor-minor (mm)
|
m3 |
P5 |
m7 |
|
half-diminished (ø7)
|
m3 |
d5 |
m7 |
|
fully-diminished (o7)
|
m3 |
d5 |
d7 |
Identifying Natural (white-note) Seventh Chords
Being able to quickly recognize natural (white-note) chords will make it much easier to identify chords that have accidentals. Identify each of the following seventh chords by writing its root on the upper line and its quality on the lower line.
Writing Seventh Chords in Root Position
Each of the following exercises provides a pitch-letter name for the root of a seventh chord and one of the five seventh chord qualities. Write the indicated seventh chord on the staff provided.
Writing Seventh Chords Given Different Chord Members
Each of the following exercises provides a single note on the staff. The text below this note indicates whether the given note is the root, third, fifth, or seventh of a seventh chord and specifies one of the five seventh chord qualities. Complete the seventh chord by writing in the three remaining chord members. Do not alter the given note.
Identifying Seventh Chord Inversions
Each of the following seventh chords is in either root position or some inversion. For each chord, specify (from the top blank line to the bottom) the pitch-letter name of the root of the chord, the seventh chord quality (MM7, Mm7, mm7, ø7, or o7), the chord member (root, third, fifth, or seventh) found in the bass, and the bass figures commonly used to represent the chords position. (Feel free to use the abbreviated forms of the bass figures.)
Identifying Seventh Chords in Different Keys
Each of the following exercises presents a key and a chord. Identify each chord using a Roman numeral based on where the chord would be found in its respective key. (Hint: Don’t forget to use bass figures to indicate inversions.)
Writing Seventh Chords in Different Keys
Each of the following exercises presents a key and a Roman numeral. Write the appropriate seventh chord on the staff provided. Don’t forget to invert your chords when necessary. Avoid using ledger lines when possible.
Preparing and Resolving Seventh Chords
Each of the exercises below shows a three chord progression, the second of which is a seventh chord. The bass line has been provided along with the voicing of the entire first chord in SATB format. Complete each progression by adding notes to the upper voices. Begin by preparing the seventh as a held tone from the first chord and resolving it with downward stepwise motion. Draw an arrow to highlight the resolution. Then, fill in the rest of the remaining voices.
Completing Chord Progressions
Each chord in the progressions below is missing a note. Complete each chord by filling in the missing note according to the given information. Every time you encounter a seventh, draw an arrow showing its stepwise, downward resolution. Finally, add the appropriate Roman numerals for each chord on the lines below.
SATB Part-Writing
Complete each of the exercises below, following standard voice-leading conventions as closely as possible. For more detailed instructions, strategies, and proofreading tips, consult the part-writing guide found at the beginning of this book.
Roman Numeral Realization
Complete the progression according to the given key and Roman numerals by filling in all four voices. The first chord of each progression has been provided for you.
Melody Harmonization
Write the scale degree numbers of each note in the soprano melody on the lines above the staff. Then, select a suitable chord progression which incorporates the harmonies covered in this chapter to harmonize the melody and write the appropriate Roman numerals on the lines below the staff. Finally, complete the progression by filling in the remaining voices.
Analysis
Analyze each of the following excerpts by adding a Roman numeral to each of the lines below the lower staff. Don’t forget to match your Roman numeral case (upper or lower) to the quality of the chord and use extra symbols (like o) where needed. Use bass figures to indicate inversions. Ignore notes in parentheses for now.
