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Dominant Sevenths

Dominant sevenths are basically an arpeggio with an extra note - 1, 3, 5, 7 & 8.

To work out dominant sevenths for exams etc. you will need to know what key you are in (see key signatures). Once this is established, find the fifth degree (dominant) and build an arpeggio (1, 3 & 5). To complete the dominant seventh, include the seventh note from the start of the arpeggio making note of the original key and the top note (8). To understand this a little better, here is an example using just four steps.


What is the dominant seventh of G Major?



Put them all together to make the dominant seventh- D, F#, A, C & D.