Saxophone Forum


by speedy_1424
(23 posts)
16 years ago

Chord Changes

What's the difference between

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  1. by Conn-man
    (11 posts)

    16 years ago

    Re: Chord Changes

    C7 (C dominant) is a chord based on a mixolydian scale. It is spelled C-E-G-Bb. The Cmaj7 chord is based on the ionian scale, and is spelled C-E-G-B. Perhaps the music majors amongst us can tell you more about the difference in the usage of the chords, if that's what you're asking.

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  2. by Tranesyadaddy
    (279 posts)

    16 years ago

    Re: Chord Changes

    The C7 wants to resolve to an F chord, whereas the Cmaj7 chord is stable.

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    1. by speedy_1424
      (23 posts)

      16 years ago

      Re: Chord Changes

      I'm not really understanding what you guys are saying...is it in C7 that you lower only the 7th note (so you get C D E F G A Bb C) and then in Cmaj7 you have the 7th and the lowered 7th ( C D E F G A B Bb C)?

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      1. by speedy_1424
        (23 posts)

        16 years ago

        Re: Chord Changes

        ...or is Cmaj7 just the scale unchanged (C D E F G A B C)?

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        1. by Tranesyadaddy
          (279 posts)

          16 years ago

          Re: Chord Changes

          Cmaj7 just has the B natural. it's really Cmaj(maj7) whereas C7 is Cmaj(min7).

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        2. by Tranesyadaddy
          (279 posts)

          16 years ago

          Re: Chord Changes

          The reason the major 7th is specified like that when it's part of the ordinary scale is to make sure the piano or guitar voice the 7th in their comping. the maj7 chord has a particular harmonic quality.

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        3. by speedy_1424
          (23 posts)

          16 years ago

          Re: Chord Changes

          Ahh, that makes more sense. Thanks for the help!

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      2. by peter090
        (155 posts)

        16 years ago

        Re: Chord Changes

        The letter is the Root of the chord and a major chord is implied unless min is specified. C=C E G Cmin=C Eb G Letters and numbers after this add chord tones to the base triad. 7 by definition implies a minor (some say dominant) 7th so a minor 7th is added. C7=C E G Bb Cmin7=C Eb G Bb Maj defines the quality of the 7th so a major 7th above the root CMaj=C E G B Cmin Maj7=C Eb G B People first learning to read symbols get confused because no one explains that min defines the third of the triad and Maj defines the quality of the 7th Without wishing to contradict any other comments the discussion of upper chord tones or Chord/Scale relationships is largely meaningless with a single chord out of context.

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