Interval Training - Minor 7ths

Interval Training - Minor 7ths

Minor 7ths are important because they help define the sound and function of some of the most common chords in music. The interval appears in both minor 7 chords and dominant 7 chords, making it a key sound in styles like jazz, blues, R&B, funk, and pop. In dominant 7 chords, the minor 7th creates tension that pushes the harmony toward resolution, (usually) back to the tonic. In minor 7 chords, it adds a smooth, relaxed color that’s often used to set up harmonic movement, especially in progressions like ii–V–I. Learning to recognize the sound of a minor 7th helps you quickly identify chord quality and better understand how chords create tension and release in real music. Some listening examples: “Somewhere” - Leonard Bernstein “Wonderwall” - Oasis “Can’t Stop” - Red Hot Chili Peppers “An American in Paris” - George Gershwin “The Winner Takes It All” - ABBA Please feel free to contact me with anything my email is HunnyBunnyRecords@gmail.com [HunnyBunnyRecords@gmail.com] or on instagram @joshuapfortmillermusic Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2564272/support]

Interval Training - Major 7ths

Major 7ths are important because they define the sound of major 7 chords, which are used constantly in jazz, R&B, film music, and modern pop. As you listen, pay attention to how the interval sounds very close to an octave, creating a smooth but noticeable tension that gives the music a rich, emotional quality. Once your ear locks into that “almost an octave” sound, you’ll start hearing major 7ths in melodies, chords, and progressions all over the place.  Some listening examples: “Just the Two of Us” - Bill Withers “Human Nature” - Michael Jackson “Sunday Morning” - Maroon 5 “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” - Judy Garland “Superman Theme” - John Williams Please feel free to contact me with anything my email is HunnyBunnyRecords@gmail.com [HunnyBunnyRecords@gmail.com] or on instagram @joshuapfortmillermusic Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2564272/support]