F7

Q: What notes are in the F7 chord?

The F7 chord (F Dominant 7) contains: F, A, C, Eb. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build F7 on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is F7 found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for F7?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

F Dominant 7

Octaves

Musical context

ChordF majorTriad

ChordF7F Dominant 7

ArpeggioF majorBroken triad

ScaleF major7 notes

KeyF majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: F Dominant 7
Symbol: F7
Root: F
Quality: Dominant 7

Chord notes

1Froot

3Amajor 3rd

5Cperfect 5th

b7Ebminor 7th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: VDominant (V)Bb major
Stability / tension: High tension — requires resolution
Most common resolutions: BbBb Major GmG Minor
Unstable degrees: 3A
4Bb
resolves up to the resolution tonic
6D
b7Eb
resolves down to the tonic 3rd
Main resolution: F7source
BbBb Major
Dominant 7th F7 naturally resolves up a 4th to Bb. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.
Other resolutions: F7source
Deceptive resolution
GmG Minor
Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.
F7source
Modal resolution
EbEb Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
F7source
Jazz reharmonization
B7B Dominant 7
Tritone substitution: F7 can be replaced by B7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.
F7source
Functional resolution
Fsus4F Sus4
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: B7B Dominant 7

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