The Church Pianist: Adding the Major/minor 7th

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The church pianist can rejuvenate
a hymn by just using chord extensions.






A chord extension occurs when
consecutive 3rds are added above
the 5th note of a chord in root
position.









For example, the C chord (CEG)....
add a B to it and you have a richer
chord!









The note 'B'....is a major 7th

above the root note (C).





Lowering the 'B' to a 'B' flat creates
a minor 7th above 'C'.......therefore
creating the Major/minor 7th.






Ingredients of the Major/minor 7th:




(I'll use C chord as example)









Major=CEG
minor 7th=B flat








Together= Major/minor 7th chord







A minor 7th can be added when a I chord
is leading to a IV chord. (Hope you know
your chords by numbers).








Key of C:
C is the I chord
F is the IV chord








Explanation of today's example:






I first showed the added 7th in the vocal
score for easy-to-see example and then
gave the piano score for a more practical
demonstration.








Challenge to the church pianist:








Take a church hymnal and try to find
the Major/minor 7th already used
in the following songs:






At Calvary (chorus)
Victory in Jesus (twice in chorus)
Lily of the Valley (no hint!)

Clarification: The Major/minor 7th is not a chord

substitution. It's simply an extended chord.