Using Seventh Chords
Because there are four notes in a 7th chord, they are often more difficult to play than major chords. When using 7th chords it is common to leave out one of the notes. The most commonly omitted note is the 5th, although sometimes the 3rd or the root can be omitted. Usually the left hand will be playing the root note anyway. As long as the b7 degree is in the chord you still get the effect of a 7th chord. Here are some examples of 7th chords as they are commonly used.
The rhythm of this example is called a New Orleans Rhumba. It is typically played with the bass line shown here. This rhythm is common in Country, Rock and Roll and R&B. Listen to players like Professor Longhair, James Booker and Dr John to hear the New Orleans style at its best. The Piano is a strongly featured instrument in New Orleans music.
This example demonstrates a very common way of using 7th chords in Country accompaniment. Notice that the eighth notes are swung in this example.
To finish off this section, here’s a rockin’ Country boogie featuring the use of 3rds and 7th chords. Learn the right hand part carefully and play it slowly at first. Then try both hands together and gradually increase the tempo.
