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I'm curious why we flat the B in the C7th chord. I know this is considered a dominant chord. If "B" was not flatted we would call the chord a C Maj 7th. But I just don't know why we flat the "B" in a C7th Dominant chord, can anyone explain? |
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The word "dominant" not only describe the chord quality, but also to some extent the function of the chord in this case. A dominant chord is built from the diatonic mode starting on the dominant or 5th scale degree. For instance, in the key of F major (F G A Bb C D E), the dominant or 5th scale degree is C (the fifth note in the scale). So when C is functioning as the dominant, or the fifth of F major/minor, it will have a flat seven (Bb as opposed to B natural) instead of the natural seven. |
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adsfwagt is correct. The 'dominant' in a C dominant 7 (ie C7) means it is a chord based on the 5th (domiant) degree of the scale. In the case of C7 you are in the key of Fmajor and a 7th up from C (in F Major) is Bb, ie notes in C7 = C E G Bb. IF YOU FLATTEN THE 7TH NOTE YOU WILL GET AN 'A' AND THE CHORD IS THEN C6. |
