Ab7 Piano Chord

Piano Diagram of Ab7 in Root Position

An Ab7 chord is a dominant 7th chord built upon the key of Ab. It’s made by the root note Ab, the major 3rd C, the perfect 5th Eb, and the minor 7th Gb. The Ab7 chord can be found on the fifth degree of several scales. Keep reading to understand the music theory behind this chord.

 

 

Ab7 Chord Inversions

 

The Ab7 chord has a total of 3 inversions:

 Piano Keyboard Diagrams

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Music Theory and Harmony of Ab7

 

What are Dominant Seventh Chords?

A dominant 7th chord is a four-note chord that consists of a major triad with a minor 7th added. Dominant 7th chords are important chords in music theory, as they add a sense of tension and instability that can lead to the resolution of the chord. They have a strong pull toward the tonic, making them common in cadences and progressions.

Let’s see how to build this kind of chord:

 

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Building the Ab7 Chord: Different Approaches

 

Starting from the Ab Major Scale:

To form a dominant 7th chord, you combine the root, the major 3rd, the 5th, and the minor 7th from a major scale.

 

 

 

To create an Ab7 chord, apply the formula R, 3, 5, m7 in the following manner:

1. Begin with the Root note Ab.
2. Select the major 3rd interval, which is C, and add it to the chord.
3. Add the 5th interval, Eb.
4. Add the minor 7th interval, which is Gb.

By following this simple formula, you can create a dominant 7th chord from any major scale.

 

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by Combining Intervals:

One method to create a dominant 7th chord is by combining specific intervals – a major 3rd, a minor 3rd, and again a minor 3rd.

3 + m3 + m3 = Dominant 7th Chords

For example, to create an Ab7 chord, we start with the root note Ab.

We then add a major 3rd interval, which is four half-steps up from the root, to get C.

Next, we add a minor 3rd interval, which is three half-steps up from C, to get Eb.

Finally, we add another minor 3rd interval, which is three half-steps up from Eb, to get Gb. Together, these intervals form the Ab7 chord.

 

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Characteristics of the Ab7 Chord

Dominant 7th chords are often used as transitional chords to add tension and prepare for the resolution to the tonic. They have a distinct sound that is often described as “bluesy” or “jazzy”. From a theoretical point of view, it is an unstable chord because it contains a tritone, an interval of three whole tones between the 3rd and 7th degree.

The ii-V-I Progression

In the key of Db major, this progression would involve playing the chords Eb minor (ii), Ab7 (V), and Db major (I) in sequence.

When played as Eb minor, Ab major, and Db major, the progression may sound complete but lacks the tension and resolution provided by the Ab7 chord. The minor 7th interval adds a layer of tension to the progression, creating a sense of expectation for the resolution to the Db major chord.

 

Ab7 Chords and Key Tonality

Another feature of 7th chords is that they are typically built on the fifth degree of the major scale. As a result, when we play a dominant 7th chord in a piece of music, it can suggest the tonality (or key) because the chord often resolves to the I degree of the chord progression.

For example, if you come across an Ab7 chord in a piece of music, it suggests that you are likely playing in the key of Db (major or minor since the Ab7 is also present on the Db harmonic minor scale) or its relative Bb minor key since Ab is the fifth degree of the Db major scale and the 7th degree of the Bb minor scale.

However, it’s important to note that an Ab7 chord could be also used on other degrees or in a non-diatonic way, so it’s essential to consider the broader harmonic context before determining the key of the piece.

 

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How to Use Ab7 in a Chord Progression

The Ab7 chord is a versatile chord that can be used to add tension, create movement, and establish resolution in your chord progressions. It is commonly employed in all genres, from jazz, rock, and pop to folk and traditional music.

The Ab7 chord carries a dominant function, which means it naturally resolves to a chord that represents a point of stability or home within a musical key. Here are some of the most common uses of the Ab7 chord:

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Most common uses of Ab7

These tables show the harmonized major and natural minor scales where you can find an Ab7 or use it in place of other chords.

Ab7 on Major and minor Scales

• Dominant chord in Db Major

 

• Leading Tone chord in Bb minor

 

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Ab7 as Substitute for Abm7

In the theoretical key of Db minor, Ab7 is derived from the harmonic minor scale and is commonly used as a substitute for an Abm7 chord on the V degree. However, since this key is rarely used, it’s better to refer to its enharmonic equivalent key C# minor.

• Dominant chord in C# minor as G#7

 

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Ab7 in Blues Progressions

• Tonic chord in Ab Major
• Subdominant chord in Eb Major
• Dominant chord in Db Major

 

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Ab7 in a I III⁷ Progression

Check G#7 in a I III7 Progression

 

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Ab7 in a Tritone Substitution

The term “Tritone Substitution” is a musical concept where a dominant 7th chord is replaced by another dominant 7th chord that is a tritone away. This means that instead of using the original dominant chord, a musician substitutes it with a chord that is located six semitones above or below the original.

In the context of a ii-V-I chord progression, which is a common jazz chord progression, the tritone substitution can be represented as “ii-SubV7-I”. This means that the ii chord is followed by a substitute dominant 7th chord, which then resolves to the I chord.

This type of substitution works because shares the third and 7th notes. This creates a chromatic movement that adds interest and tension, leading towards the tonic chord. The tritone substitution works because the substitute dominant chord shares the same 3rd and 7th notes as the original dominant chord but in reverse order.

For example, if the original dominant chord is D7 (D, F#, A, C), the substitute dominant chord would be Ab7 (Ab, C, Eb, Gb), as both chords share the notes Gb (F#) and C, which are the 3rd and 7th notes.

It’s important to note that Ab7 is a non-diatonic chord in the key of G. This means that while it may sound good in certain musical contexts, it’s important to be careful and not clash with the melody or other harmonic elements of the composition.

 

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Ab7 as a Secondary Dominant chord

A secondary dominant is a type of chord that is not in the main key of a musical piece but is used to create a strong pull towards another chord that is. In Western music, the fifth scale degree has a strong “dominant” function and creates tension that resolves to the first scale degree chord (I). A secondary dominant chord is used to create this same dominant function but towards a different chord, leading to a temporary departure from the main key.

| Gb Maj7 | Db7 |  ⇒ 

| Gb Maj7 | Ab7 | Db7 |

Let’s take the key of Gb major as an example. In this key, the Db7 chord acts as the dominant V chord, leading back to the Gb Maj7 chord, which is our tonic I chord. Now, if we want to add an extra chord between Gb Maj7 and Db7 that creates a strong pull towards Db7, we introduce a secondary dominant chord. To achieve this, we can use an Ab7 chord because, in the key of Db, Ab7 serves as the dominant V chord. This way, the Ab7 chord enhances the tension and directs our ears toward the resolution on Db7.

 

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Ab7 Chord Function in Major and Minor Keys

 

Understanding Scale Degrees

• Starting with the first degree of the scale, we have the Tonic chord. This chord serves as the foundation of the scale, providing a stable tonal center for the music. It’s like the “home base” of the music, and all melodies and harmonies are anchored to this chord.
• Moving on to the second degree, we have the Supertonic. This degree acts as a transitional note between the tonic and other notes in the scale, creating a sense of movement and flow in the melody or harmony.
• The third degree is the Mediant, which is located halfway between the tonic and dominant notes. This degree helps to establish whether the scale is major or minor and plays a critical role in determining the mood and emotional impact of the music.
• The fourth degree is the Subdominant, which complements the dominant and adds tension and resolution to the music. It creates a push-pull effect that keeps the listener engaged and interested.
• The fifth degree is the Dominant, which generates tension and a sense of expectation. It often acts as the climax of a musical phrase or section and is resolved by returning to the tonic.
• The sixth degree is the Submediant, which provides a sense of stability and restfulness to the music. It’s often used as a transition between the dominant and tonic, creating a feeling of calm and relaxation.
• Finally, we have the 7th degree, the Leading tone. This degree produces a strong sense of tension and a desire to resolve to the tonic. It’s often used to create a sense of resolution and completion in the melody or harmony.

Understanding the scale degrees is essential for creating chords and understanding how they relate harmonically to one another. By knowing the function of each degree, we can create more interesting and effective harmonies in our music.

 

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Ab7 as Dominant Chord in Db Major

In the key of Db major, the Ab7 chord would be the dominant chord. The Ab7 chord has a strong pull to resolve to the tonic chord Db Maj7.

 

Ab7 Chord Progressions as V degree

Try playing these chord progressions to get an idea of how Ab7 functions as the dominant chord.

ii V I

 

I IV V

 

 I V vi IV

 

I IV vi V

 

I IV vii iii vi ii V I

 

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Ab7 as the Leading Tone Chord in Bb minor

In the Bb minor scale, Ab7 is the chord built on the leading tone, which is the 7th note of the scale. This chord creates a strong pull towards the tonic chord, Bb min7.

 

Ab7 as VII degree – Chord Progressions

These chord progressions can help you understand how Ab7 serves as the leading tone:

 

i iv VII i

 

i VII VI V

 

i III VII VI

 

i iv VII III

 

Circle Progression

 

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Ab7 as Dominant chord in Db minor

Check G#7 in C# minor

 

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Ab7 as Tonic Chord in a Blues Progression in Ab

In the key of Ab major, the first chord is an Ab Maj7 but in some contexts, it can be substituted with an Ab7.

 

One such context is in the blues genre, where the use of dominant 7th chords as tonics is common.

Blues music draws its foundation from the Mixolydian scale, which is a variation of the major scale. The Mixolydian scale is characterized by having a flattened 7th note compared to the major scale.

When we consider the key of Ab major, the 7th note is G. However, in the Mixolydian scale used in blues music, the 7th note is flattened, which means it is lowered by a half step. Consequently, the G note in the Ab major scale becomes a Gb in the Mixolydian scale.

This alteration of the 7th note from G to Gb in the Mixolydian scale is significant because it creates a minor 7th interval. In other words, when we build a dominant 7th chord on the tonic Ab using the Mixolydian scale, we get an Ab7 chord.

It is this altered 7th note and the resulting minor 7th interval that contributes to the bluesy and soulful atmosphere associated with the genre.

In the context of blues music, an Ab7 chord can serve as:

1. the tonic chord (I) in the key of Ab,
2. the subdominant (IV) in the key of Eb,
3. the dominant chord (V) in the key of Db.

This is because blues music uses a specific chord progression known as the 12-bar blues, which consists of three chords played over 12 bars.

 

Ab7 as I degree in a Blues Progression in Ab

In the key of Ab, the 12-bar blues progression would typically be Ab7 (I), Db7 (IV), and Eb7 (V) chords, with the Ab7 chord serving as the tonic and the other two chords as the subdominant and dominant, respectively.

 

Blues Chord Progression in Ab

 

Blues Chord Progression in Ab – Variation

 

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Ab7 as Subdominant Chord in a Blues Progression in Eb

In a blues progression in the key of Eb, the Ab7 chord can serve as a subdominant chord. In this context, the Ab7 chord is typically played in the fifth, sixth, and tenth measure of a twelve-bar blues progression.

 

Ab7 as IV degree in a Blues Progression in Eb

 

Blues Chord Progression in Eb

 

Blues Chord Progression in Eb – Variation

 

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Ab7 as Dominant Chord in a Blues Progression in Db

In the key of Db, when playing a blues progression, Ab7 takes on the role of the dominant chord. Specifically, in a twelve-bar blues progression, Ab7 is commonly played in the 9th and 12th measures.

 

Ab7 as IV degree in a Blues Progression in Db

 

Blues Chord Progression in Db

 

Blues Chord Progression in Eb – Variation

 

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Ab7 as III⁷ Degree in Fb Major

Check G#7 in E Major

 

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Alternative Ab7 Nomenclature

• Ab7
• Lab7
• Ab 7th
• Ab dom7
• Ab dominant 7th

 

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Conclusion

The chord progressions and examples presented in this post provide a comprehensive overview of the most common uses of the Ab7 chord. It’s important to note, however, that there are many advanced harmony-related topics that could not be included due to space constraints. These topics include chord progressions built on harmonic and melodic scales, modal scales, hidden tonality, secondary dominants and other chord substitutions, non-functional harmony and atonal music, modal interchange and borrowed chords, voice leading and counterpoint, chromatisms, jazz harmony…I mean, music theory is a huge topic!

Although I couldn’t cover all of these topics in my post, I encourage readers to continue exploring these areas in their own study and research. By expanding your knowledge in these advanced areas of music theory, you can gain a deeper understanding of the harmonic possibilities that exist beyond the basics presented here.