G7

General info

Full name

G Dominant 7

Symbol

G7

Root

G

Quality

Dominant 7

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

VDominant (V)C major

Stability / tension

High tension — requires resolution

Most common resolutions

CC MajorAmA Minor

Unstable degrees

3B

4C

resolves up to the resolution tonic

6E

b7F

resolves down to the tonic 3rd

Main resolution

G7source

CC Major

Dominant 7th G7 naturally resolves up a 4th to C. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.

Other resolutions

G7source

Deceptive resolution

AmA Minor

Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.

G7source

Modal resolution

FF Major

In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.

G7source

Jazz reharmonization

C#7C# Dominant 7

Tritone substitution: G7 can be replaced by C#7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.

G7source

Functional resolution

Gsus4G 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

C#7C# 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

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Harmonic context

V7C majorDominantVII7A minorDominantIV7D DorianPredominantI7G MixolydianTonic

Typical transitions

CResolves to C

Typical progressions

I-V-vi-IV

C—G—Am—F

Pop12-bar blues

I7—IV7—V7

Bluesii-V-I (jazz)

Dm7—G7—Cmaj7

Jazz

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.