Modes add melodic color to seventh chords by supplying tensions (9, 11, 13). Each seventh chord has one or more compatible modes based on its chord tones and available tensions.
Watch the video below to learn how to derive chord scales for seventh chords.
Major Seventh (Maj7)
Chord tones: 1-3-5-7
Lydian tensions: 9-♯11-13 (major triad built from the 9)
Ionian tensions: 9-11-13 (minor triad built from the 9)
Play:
• Lydian (preferred)
• Ionian
Minor Seventh (m7)
Chord tones: 1-♭3-5-♭7
Dorian tensions: 9-11-13 (minor triad from the 9)
Aeolian tensions: 9-11-♭13 (diminished triad from the 9)
Phrygian tensions: ♭9-11-♭13 (major triad from the ♭9)
Play:
• Dorian
• Aeolian
• Phrygian
Dominant Seventh (7)
Chord tones: 1-3-5-♭7
Mixolydian tensions: 9-11-13
Lydian Dominant tensions: 9-♯11-13
Play:
• Mixolydian
• Lydian Dominant (Melodic Minor Mode 4)
Half-Diminished (m7♭5)
Chord tones: 1-♭3-♭5-♭7
Locrian tensions: ♭9-11-♭13
Locrian ♮2 tensions: 9-11-♭13
Play:
• Locrian
• Locrian ♮2 (Melodic Minor Mode 6)
Quick Reference
| Chord | Primary Mode | Alternate Mode(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Maj7 | Lydian | Ionian |
| m7 | Dorian | Aeolian, Phrygian |
| 7 | Mixolydian | Lydian Dominant |
| m7♭5 | Locrian | Locrian ♮2 |