Extended chords are chords that go beyond the basic triads by adding additional notes, usually in the form of seventh, ninth, eleventh, or thirteenth intervals. These extended chords are built upon the foundation of triads and add more color and complexity to the harmony. The most common extended chords include seventh chords, ninth chords, and eleventh chords.
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Seventh Chords:
- Major Seventh (Maj7) Chord: Built on a major triad with the addition of a major seventh interval. The intervals are Root - Major Third - Perfect Fifth - Major Seventh.
- Minor Seventh (min7) Chord: Built on a minor triad with the addition of a minor seventh interval. The intervals are Root - Minor Third - Perfect Fifth - Minor Seventh.
- Dominant Seventh (7) Chord: Built on a major triad with the addition of a minor seventh interval. The intervals are Root - Major Third - Perfect Fifth - Minor Seventh.
- Diminished Seventh (dim7) Chord: Built on a diminished triad with the addition of a diminished seventh interval. The intervals are Root - Minor Third - Diminished Fifth - Diminished Seventh.
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Ninth Chords:
- Major Ninth (Maj9) Chord: Built on a major seventh chord with the addition of a major ninth interval. The intervals are Root - Major Third - Perfect Fifth - Major Seventh - Major Ninth.
- Minor Ninth (min9) Chord: Built on a minor seventh chord with the addition of a major ninth interval. The intervals are Root - Minor Third - Perfect Fifth - Minor Seventh - Major Ninth.
- Dominant Ninth (9) Chord: Built on a dominant seventh chord with the addition of a major ninth interval. The intervals are Root - Major Third - Perfect Fifth - Minor Seventh - Major Ninth.
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Eleventh Chords:
- Major Eleventh (Maj11) Chord: Built on a major ninth chord with the addition of a perfect eleventh interval. The intervals are Root - Major Third - Perfect Fifth - Major Seventh - Major Ninth - Perfect Eleventh.
- Minor Eleventh (min11) Chord: Built on a minor ninth chord with the addition of a perfect eleventh interval. The intervals are Root - Minor Third - Perfect Fifth - Minor Seventh - Major Ninth - Perfect Eleventh.
Extended chords can continue with thirteenth intervals, but beyond this point, the chord may become impractical due to the number of notes and the complexity of voicing. These chords add richness and sophistication to harmonic progressions in various styles of music.
By the Stealify™ Team.