7th chords are wonderful and satisfying, but at the same time they can be kind of confusing since there are so many different types of seventh chords. The most common type is the dominant 7th chord — usually just refered to as a “7th”. Then there is a major 7th chord, a minor 7th chord, a diminished 7th chord, a half-diminished 7th chord, an augmented 7th chord, etc, etc.

Watch this short video and hopefully it will clear up the confusion somewhat:

Major 7th chords are formed by adding the 7th note of the major scale to a major triad. Watch the video, then go to maj7 chords for more information.

Seventh chords are some of the most useful and interesting chords one can play on the piano. Watch this short video and see the difference between a 7th chord, a maj7th chord, a min7th chord, etc.

Using parallel major 7th chords is a good way to create a rich sounding chord progression. Watch as I play “O Little Town of Bethelehem”, “White Christmas”, and “Joy To The World: