The dominant seventh chord is a cornerstone of Western harmony, appearing in countless songs across diverse genres. Understanding its construction, function, and applications is crucial for any musician, from beginner to professional. This article will explore the E dominant seventh chord (E7) in a question-and-answer format, providing a comprehensive understanding of this vital musical building block.
I. What is an E Dominant Seventh Chord?
Q: What exactly is an E dominant seventh chord (E7)?
A: The E7 chord is a four-note chord built upon the root note E. It consists of a major triad (E-G#-B) plus a minor seventh interval (D) from the root. Therefore, its notes are E, G#, B, and D. The "dominant" designation signifies its strong tendency to resolve to the tonic (A major) chord. This natural resolution creates a powerful sense of harmonic movement and completion.
II. How is the E7 Chord Constructed?
Q: How do I construct an E7 chord theoretically?
A: The E7 chord follows the formula for any dominant seventh chord: root, major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh. Let's break it down for E7:
Root: E
Major Third: G# (a major third above E)
Perfect Fifth: B (a perfect fifth above E)
Minor Seventh: D (a minor seventh above E)
Q: Can I construct an E7 chord using different inversions?
A: Yes, inversions change the bass note while maintaining the same chord tones. The E7 chord has four possible inversions:
Root position: E G# B D
First inversion: G# B D E
Second inversion: B D E G#
Third inversion: D E G# B
Each inversion offers a different harmonic color and bass line movement.
III. Where Does the E7 Chord Typically Appear?
Q: In what musical contexts is the E7 chord commonly used?
A: The E7 chord’s dominant function makes it incredibly versatile. It's frequently found:
In the key of A major: A major's dominant chord is E major, and adding the minor seventh creates the E7, which strongly pulls towards the A major chord. This is the most common context.
In the key of D major: While not the dominant, E7 can act as a secondary dominant, leading to A major, which then resolves to D major.
In minor keys: E7 can function as a dominant chord in relative major keys or create chromatic movement within a minor key's harmonic progressions.
In blues music: E7 is a fundamental chord in blues progressions based on A or D.
In jazz and popular music: Its rich sound and strong resolution make it a staple in countless songs across various genres.
IV. Real-World Examples of E7 Chord Usage
Q: Can you give me some examples of songs using the E7 chord?
A: The E7 chord's ubiquity makes it hard to pinpoint specific examples, but consider these scenarios:
Many pop songs in A major: Countless songs in A major use the E7 as a dominant chord leading back to A major (the tonic). Think of countless pop ballads and even some rock anthems.
"Summertime" from Porgy and Bess: This iconic jazz standard features a rich harmonic progression that incorporates E7.
Blues progressions: Any 12-bar blues in A or related keys (e.g., A, E) will almost certainly feature the E7.
Jazz standards: Numerous jazz tunes utilize secondary dominants and altered dominants, which often include E7 in creative and unexpected ways. Searching for "E7 jazz solos" on YouTube will reveal numerous examples.
V. Analyzing the E7 Chord's Function and Impact
Q: What makes the E7 chord so important harmonically?
A: Its significance stems from its strong tendency to resolve to the A major chord (or its relative minor, A minor). This resolution creates a satisfying feeling of harmonic closure. The minor seventh interval introduces a specific tension that's uniquely resolved by moving to the tonic.
VI. Takeaway
The E7 chord is a powerful and versatile chord with a significant role in Western music harmony. Understanding its construction, function, and common applications is crucial for any musician aspiring to write, play, or analyze music effectively. Its dominant nature drives harmonic progression, adding color and tension to musical pieces.
VII. FAQs
1. Can I substitute E7 with another chord? Yes, but the substitution will change the harmonic feel. A common substitution is Emaj7 (E G# B#), offering a less tense sound. Other substitutions depend on the context and intended harmonic effect.
2. How can I improvise over an E7 chord? The E melodic minor scale (E F# G# A B C# D#) is commonly used, along with the dominant blues scale (E G A B C D). Experiment with various scales and arpeggios to find your preferred melodic phrasing.
3. What are some common alterations of the E7 chord? Common alterations include adding a 9th (F#), 11th (C#), or 13th (E). These additions create unique colors and tensions. Diminishing the 5th (B to Bb) or raising the 5th (B to C) are also common alterations.
4. How does the E7 chord differ from an E major chord? The E major chord (E G# B) lacks the minor 7th (D), resulting in a less tense and more stable sound. E7 possesses a strong pull towards resolution, unlike the E major chord.
5. How can I practice using the E7 chord effectively? Practice playing the chord in various inversions, experiment with accompanying melodies, and try improvising over backing tracks featuring E7 progressions. Pay attention to the chord's resolution to understand its function better.
Note: Conversion is based on the latest values and formulas.
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