“The Minor 7th Chord”

Here is my twist of the minor 7th chord. I like to play it in the 3rd inversion. You’re probably thinking, “what is the 3rd inversion?” Here’s a small lesson on inversions:

When the 7th tone of the major scale is played as the lowest note, the chord is said to be in it’s “3rd inversion.” For example, in C major, here is each numbered scale degree (or tone):

C = 1
D = 2
E = 3
F = 4
G = 5
A = 6
B = 7

Obviously, if we’re playing a 7th chord (whether major or minor), we will be playing either a “B” or “Bb.” Remember, we play “B” in a “C major seventh chord” and a “Bb” in a “C dominant or minor seventh chord.”

The C minor 7 chord is as follow:

Bass = C

Right hand = C + Eb + G + Bb

Now, I don’t personally prefer playing it this way. I change two things about the chord above:

1) Again, I switch to the “3rd inversion” of the chord (which means that the Bb will be played as the lowest note)

Right hand = Bb + C + Eb + G

2) Then, I get rid of the C because it crowds the chord. Besides, I’m probably already playing “C” on the bass with my left hand.

Right hand = Bb + Eb + G

Here’s a look at the final chord:

Bass = C

Right hand = Bb + Eb + G

This chord is usually played in Gospel and Blues music. If you wanted to include it in a “1-4″ turnaround, simply lower the “Bb” to A and change the bass from “C” to “F”:

Bass = F

Right hand = A + Eb + G

Conclusion:

(Bb + Eb + G / bass = C) — (A + Eb + G / bass = F)

This concludes this tip. See you tomorrow for the last tip of this series!

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