Chords and Chord Symbols
A brief explanation of the most common chord types and their symbols. (key of C):
MAJOR SEVENTH CHORD (Chord symbol: CMaj.7)
The major seventh chord is a major triad with a major seventh.
the root: C
the major third: E
the perfect fifth: G
the major seventh: B
MINOR SEVENTH CHORD (Chord symbol: Cm7 or C-7)
The minor seventh chord is a minor triad with a minor seventh.
the root: C
the minor third: Eb
the perfect fifth: G
the minor seventh: Bb
DOMINANT SEVENTH CHORD (Chord symbol: C7)
The dominant seventh chord is a major triad with a minor seventh.
the root: C
the major third: E
the perfect fifth: G
the minor seventh: Bb
DIMINISHED SEVEN CHORD (Chord symbol: C°7)
The diminished seven chord is a stack of minor thirds.
the root: C
the minor third: Eb
the diminished fifth: Gb
the diminished seventh: A(Bbb)
HALF-DIMINISHED CHORD (Chord symbol: Cm7b5)
The half-diminished chord is a diminished triad with a minor seventh, also known as a minor seven flat five chord.
the root: C
the minor third: Eb
the diminished fifth: Gb
the minor seventh: Bb
