What is the name of the seventh chord built on a major chord?

Study for the CM Piano Theory Level 10 Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The name of the seventh chord built on a major chord is indeed Major 7th. This chord consists of a major triad (the root, major third, and perfect fifth) and an additional note—specifically, the major seventh above the root. The formula for constructing a Major 7th chord can be thought of as follows: take a major triad and add the seventh note from the major scale that corresponds to the root.

For example, in the case of a C Major 7th chord, you have the notes C (root), E (major third), G (perfect fifth), and B (major seventh). This gives the chord a harmonically rich and consonant sound.

In contrast, other types of seventh chords have their own specific characteristics. A Minor 7th chord includes a minor triad and a minor seventh, leading to a different sound. The Dominant 7th chord features a major triad with a minor seventh, often used in blues and jazz contexts. Finally, the Diminished 7th is built on a diminished triad with a diminished seventh, creating a tense and unstable quality. Understanding these distinctions highlights the unique qualities of a Major 7th chord and its role in music theory

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