Minor seventh chords explained on a virtual piano

Definition of minor seventh chords

The prototypical example of a minor seventh chord is four ascending notes such that:
  • the 2nd note is 3 semitones above the 1st
  • the 3rd note is 4 semitones above the 2nd
  • the 4th note is 3 semitones above the 3rd
The pattern is 0+3+4+3.
Alternatively, the prototypical example of a minor seventh chord is four ascending notes such that:
  • the 2nd note is 3 semitones above the first
  • the 3rd note is 7 semitones above the first
  • the 4th note is 10 semitones above the first
The pattern is {0, 3, 7, 10}.
The prototypical minor seventh chord is just one among many examples because minor seventh chords can appear in multiple inversions and voicings. Although chord tones may be doubled and arranged across different octaves and spacing, none of the four essential tones can be omitted. A complete formal definition covering all possible inversions and voicings would be very complicated, so we omit it, hoping this long interactive page clarifies all your questions.

Try every minor seventh chord voicing on our interactive piano

Just pick the root note and the number of notes to include in the chord.

Then below the keyboard you will see buttons listing all the possible voicings that match your choice.

You may also extend the range of the virtual piano by clicking the + buttons beside the keyboard. Keep in mind that wide gaps between notes or other factors may prevent some voicings from being perceived as minor seventh chords.

This virtual piano plays only minor seventh chords:

Bookmark your selection of minor seventh chords

The link below leads directly to the exact selection of minor seventh chords that you see above.

All-purpose virtual piano for self-study

The voicings virtual piano above has additional extra features which are hidden by default. You can adjust the volume, turn sustain on and off, and choose from a selection of voices to hear the minor seventh chords played by different instruments. An overview of the full functionality is available on the home page of VirtualPiano.Online. To access these features click on the settings icon above the piano. It toggles which features are shown.

Below is the most generic form of our virtual piano interface where the piano plays single notes. You can use it to practice playing minor seventh chords by picking the individual notes on your own.

Tick the CHORD checkbox to enter into chord playing mode. You will hear the chords. In addition, the chords you pick will be recognized and labeled to help you verify if you get the minor seventh chords right.

This virtual piano plays single notes and custom chords.

See also