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Ab7

Description

In standard notation, '7' without M, m, Maj or min before it indicates a 'dominant seventh' chord -- i.e. one made up of 1-3-5-b7. Most accompanists will add the 9 or 13 (6) to this chord to add interest. In harmony, it is often used to prepare for a resolution to the major or minor chord a fifth below.

Standard scale choice

Use the mixolydian mode: 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7

Hip options

There are lots of cool things to do with a 7 chord.

• Play lines built on triads formed from the chord extension tones b7-9-11 or 5-b7-9;
• Play m7 lines for a bluesy sound (unless you're a guitarist -- that's what they'll be expecting from you anyway!);
• Use the major pentatonic built on the b7 for a 'suspended' sound;
• Use any of the options for 7#11 chords;
• Use any of the options for 7b9 chords;
• Use any of the options for 7#9 chords;
• Use any of the options for 7alt chords;
• Use any of the options for 7sus chords;
• Play a whole tone scale based on the root.

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