Exploring the Enigmatic A Minor Major 7th Chord

Introduction to A Minor and its Chord Structure

A minor is a fascinating chord in the world of music theory. When played as a triad, it consists of the notes E, A, and C. Adding a major 7th interval creates the A minor major 7th chord, which includes the note G. This combination results in a chord that is both intriguing and somewhat dissonant. The spelling of the A minor major 7th chord is A, C, E, and G. Despite its unique sound, this chord holds a special place in the world of theory and composition.

Chord Nomenclature and Theory

The chord nomenclature for 7th chords has been in use for several centuries and effectively addresses three types: the dominant 7th, the diminished 7th, and the major 7th. However, the nomenclature leaves out the functional and meaningful classification of the other three types. To address this, the author proposed a new scheme that equally identifies all seven types of 7th chords.

The new scheme follows a ranking of triads from most collapsed to most expanded:

diminished minor Major augmented

Applying this to 7th chords, the types are defined as:

Type A - the diminished 7th Type B - a diminished triad with a Major 3rd at the top Type C - the minor 7th Type D - a minor triad with a Major 7th added Type E - the dominant 7th Type F - the major 7th Type G - an augmented triad with a minor 7th on top

Critical to this new system is the identification of the A minor major 7th, which is a product of the harmonic minor scale. Here, we can see its natural occurrence in the context of a minor key. The construction of the A minor major 7th is illustrated in the following table, emphasizing its unique position within the harmonic minor scale.

Natural Occurrence in the Harmonic Minor Scale

Scale Notes Harmonic Minor A, B, C, D, E, F, G# Tonic (A minor) A, C, E, G# (A minor major 7th) Sub-Mediant (C minor) C, E, G, B (C minor 7th)

The A minor major 7th chord, when built on the tonic, provides a unique and somewhat unsettling sound, particularly when used in a minor key. Its dissonance arises from the conflict between the minor triad foundation and the abruptness of the major 7th interval. This chord can be particularly effective when applied in specific harmonic progressions to create tension and release.

Conclusion and Further Reading

The effectiveness and clarity of this new nomenclature scheme could revolutionize music theory and music composition. Encouragingly, the author has detailed this in his books, which offer a more in-depth exploration of the harmonic universe. These books, The Harmonic Universe and A New Harmonic Universe, provide a comprehensive understanding of these chords and their usage in various musical contexts. For those intrigued by the world of 7th chords and their classification, these works are highly recommended.

For a deeper dive into music theory and the intricacies of chord construction, consider reading the author's works:

The Harmonic Universe (2006) - Authorhouse publications A New Harmonic Universe (2024) - Lulu Publications