Table of Contents
Mastering dominant seventh chord patterns is essential for guitarists aiming to enhance their improvisation and songwriting skills. These patterns form the backbone of many blues, jazz, and rock progressions. Below are the top 10 most common dominant seventh chord patterns that every guitarist should learn.
1. Root Position Pattern
This pattern involves playing the dominant seventh chord with the root note on the sixth string. It is fundamental and widely used across genres.
- Example: E7 (0-2-0-1-3-0)
- Position: Root on 6th string, 0 fret
- Commonly used in blues and rock
2. Barre Chord Pattern
This pattern uses a barre across the fretboard to form the dominant seventh chord, allowing for easy transposition up and down the neck.
- Example: A7 barre at 5th fret
- Shape: Root on 5th string, 5th fret
- Versatile for moving through keys
3. Drop 2 Pattern
The drop 2 voicing involves dropping the second highest note of a four-note chord an octave lower, creating a fuller sound.
- Example: D7 drop 2
- Provides a jazzier tone
- Useful for comping and soloing
4. Power Chord Pattern
Although technically not a seventh chord, power chords with a flattened fifth can imply a dominant seventh sound, especially in rock contexts.
- Example: A5 with added b5
- Often played on the 5th and 4th strings
- Great for rhythm guitar
5. Open Position Pattern
Using open strings, this pattern provides a bright, ringing sound suitable for blues and folk styles.
- Example: E7 open position
- Includes open strings for resonance
- Accessible for beginners
6. Jazz Voicing Pattern
This pattern involves complex voicings often used in jazz, utilizing extensions like 9ths and 13ths alongside the dominant seventh.
- Example: G13 dominant voicing
- Includes extensions for color
- Typically played higher on the neck
7. Movable Shape Pattern
This pattern uses a shape that can be moved up and down the neck, facilitating quick key changes.
- Example: C7 shape moved to 8th fret for G7
- Ideal for improvisation
- Common in blues and jazz
8. Tritone Substitution Pattern
This pattern involves substituting the dominant seventh chord with a chord a tritone away, adding harmonic interest.
- Example: D7 replaced by Ab7
- Creates smooth voice leading
- Popular in jazz improvisation
9. Compact Shape Pattern
A small, easy-to-move shape that fits comfortably in the hand, suitable for quick passages.
- Example: E7 shape on 7th fret
- Great for fast improvisation
- Useful in funk and blues
10. Arpeggio Pattern
Playing the notes of the dominant seventh chord as an arpeggio emphasizes the chord tones and adds melodic interest.
- Example: G7 arpeggio
- Can be played ascending or descending
- Enhances improvisation and soloing
Practicing these patterns will expand your harmonic vocabulary and improve your ability to navigate the fretboard with confidence. Incorporate them into your playing to add variety and sophistication to your sound.