The Gospel V7 Chord

A definitive harmonic device used in Gospel music is the unique voicing of the dominant 7 chord…

The Classical V7 Chord

For the sake of comparison, here’s the classical version of the V7 chord resolved to the tonic chord…

The Gospel “V7” Chord

And now the gospel version of the “V7” chord resolved to the tonic chord…

Study-Practice Notes

• Conceive of the Gospel G7 chord as an F major triad in the right hand with a G in the bass. For this reason, it is often notated as F/G.
• The left hand is almost always as an octave for a full sound so typical of gospel.
• Do not use brute force memorization. Internalize the pattern by sound, visio-spatial keyboard, and physical execution using pattern appreciation. The pattern is straightforward: Left Hand = chord root in octaves, Right Hand = Major triad whose root is a major second below.
• Practice this chord voicing in all twelve possible spellings.
• Notice the most curious absence of the leading tone B, which is otherwise so essential to defining a V7 chord. Don’t try to explain it. Just enjoy it!

learn more…
Major Triad Neighbor Chord Pattern #1