Seventh (chord)

In music, the seventh factor of a chord is the note or pitch seven scale degrees above the root or tonal center.

Conventionally, the seventh is fourth in importance to the root, fifth, and third, with third inversion being the third strongest inversion and the seventh variably minor or major.

Moreover, most triads that appear in lead sheets or fake books can have sevenths added to them, using the performer's discretion and "ear".

Omitting the root and fifth gives the improvising chord-playing musician the option to play other notes.

In the common practice period the "strict resolution" the chord's seventh degree is stepwise downward.