A#7
A# Dominant 7
Octaves
Musical context
How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.
Theory
General info
- Full name
- A# Dominant 7
- Symbol
- A#7
- Root
- A#
- Quality
- Dominant 7
Chord notes
1A#root
3Dmajor 3rd
5E#perfect 5th
b7G#minor 7th
Functions & resolutions
- Typical function in key
- V
- Stability / tension
- High tension — requires resolution
- Unstable degrees
- 3D4D#resolves up to the resolution tonic6Gb7G#resolves down to the tonic 3rd
- Main resolution
- Dominant 7th A#7 naturally resolves up a 4th to D#. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.
- Other resolutions
- Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.Tritone substitution: A#7 can be replaced by E7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.The dominant can resolve beyond the tonic: moving to IV (subdominant) or to a suspension (sus4) are common alternatives in pop and folk music.
Substitutions
- Tritone substitution
Features
- Character
- Dominant, tense
- Characteristic interval
- Dominant 7th (b7)
- Description
- The minor 7th adds dissonance to a major triad. On scale degree V, the chord’s 3rd and 7th form a tritone that directs the voices toward tonic.
- Application
- V chord in major (resolves to I)
- 12-bar blues
- Rock, Mixolydian
Voicing & structure
Root position
v1A#(A#4)Bass
v2D(D5) M3from A#
v3E#(E#5) m3from D
v4G#(G#5) m3from E#
Harmony
- Harmonic context
- Typical progressions
Compatible scales
All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.
This chord on guitar 🎸
See how A#7 looks on guitar.
Circle of fifths
Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.
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Practice
Keyboard Trainer
Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.
Test yourself
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