A phrase in E minor
- Em
- D7
- B7
- Em
Hear D7 in a tonic–chord–dominant–tonic phrase. Its role depends on its position, not just its quality.
Discover the chord. Understand the music.
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Selected:D4G♭4A4C5
- Root
- 3rd / sus
- 5th
- 7th
- 6th / extensions
D7
D dominant seventh
A major triad with a minor seventh, creating tension that wants to resolve.
- Chord tones
- D1 · RootF♯3 · 3rdA5 · 5thC♭7 · 7th
- Formula
- 1–3–5–♭7
- Root / bass
- D / D
- Notes played (low → high)
- D4 · G♭4 · A4 · C5
D7 · dominant seventh
How to Use This Chord
Sound & role
Tension that can resolve a fourth upward to a major or minor chord.
Genre examples
Blues
Jazz
Pop
Examples of musical settings, not restrictions or claims about how often this chord appears.
Connection & passing potential
No specific chromatic passing use is established by these notes alone. A passing function requires a starting chord, a destination and voice movement.
Diatonic context · example keys
Every chord tone fits these example keys. Other keys may also fit; the chord root is not assumed to be the tonic.
E minor · VII7
natural minor
G major · V7
major