MIONLINE SHORT COURSE
Harmony & Theory – Level 2: 7th chords and their relationship to the major and minor scales
i COURSE OVERVIEW
i YOU’LL LEARN TO
- Identify and label seventh chords using correct music theory nomenclature and notation.
- Analyze chord structures and interval relationships within tonal progressions.
- Explain the harmonic function of seventh chords in various musical contexts.
i LESSON GUIDE
This unit introduces diatonic harmony through the study of triads and seventh chords. Students learn to build and identify major and minor scale triads, as well as common diatonic seventh chords including major seventh, minor seventh, dominant seventh, and half-diminished chords. The unit emphasizes understanding chord structure and function within a key, supporting harmonic analysis and practical musical application.
- Construction of major and minor triad harmony
- Study of diatonic seventh chords: ma7, mi7, dom7, mi7(b5)
- Understanding chord structure and quality within a key
- Applying diatonic harmony to analysis and performance
Building on the fundamentals of diatonic harmony, Part 2 expands students’ understanding of triads and seventh chords within major and minor keys. This section emphasizes deeper analysis of chord qualities, their harmonic function, and practical application in musical contexts. Students develop stronger skills in identifying, constructing, and using diatonic harmonies for analysis, composition, and performance.
- Review and reinforcement of diatonic triads and seventh chords
- Deeper exploration of harmonic function in major and minor keys
- Identification and analysis of chord progressions
- Practical application in composition, improvisation, and performance
- Strengthening listening and harmonic analysis skills
This topic explores seventh chords derived from the natural minor scale and introduces the concept of chord inversions. Students learn to build and identify natural minor seventh chords and understand how inversions alter chord voicing and bass movement. Emphasis is placed on recognizing chord structure, function, and practical application in harmonic analysis and performance.
- Construction of seventh chords in the natural minor scale
- Identification of diatonic chord qualities in minor keys
- Introduction to chord inversions and their types
- Understanding the effect of inversions on bass movement and harmony
- Application of concepts to analysis and performance
This topic covers the construction and use of seventh chords in the harmonic and melodic minor scales. Students learn how these chords differ from natural minor seventh chords, exploring their unique qualities and functions. Emphasis is placed on understanding chord structure, voice leading, and practical application in harmony, composition, and performance.
- Construction of seventh chords in harmonic and melodic minor scales
- Identification of chord qualities unique to each minor scale
- Understanding the differences from natural minor seventh chords
- Exploration of harmonic function and voice leading
- Application in composition, improvisation, and performance
i INSTRUCTOR
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