The Dominant 7th Chord on Piano: 10 Ways to Use It (Part 1)
The Dominant 7th is the chord that creates tension and pull in countless songs — in Part 1 of this series you'll learn 10 ways to use it, with the music theory and ear training to back it up. Jason Zac from Nathaniel School of Music explains the Dominant 7th chord in detail and trains your ear to recognise it. You'll explore the authentic cadence, hear how Maj7 differs from Dominant 7, work through the 12-bar blues, line clichés and a funky Dorian progression — all real-world uses you've heard in famous music. This is Part 1 of a 2-part series; by the end you'll know how to deploy the dominant seventh for tension, motion and colour in your own playing and writing. ▶️ Watch Part 2 ➡️ https://youtu.be/gVzNGnvJfVI 🏫 Courses, Workshops or Private lessons ➡️ https://forms.gle/fsbhFKSgJbZ5xZEr8 ============================= 📹 Our Video Courses (Everything for Life Bundle) ➡️ https://learn-music.nathanielschool.com/ 🎹 Piano Courses & Private Lessons ➡️ https://piano.nathanielschool.com ============================= ▶️ Related Lessons & Playlists 🎧 All about Intervals & Ear Training (Playlist) ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrNNL05e9FT-GHvpugWvYgEuLAL4f01ZK 📖 All our Music Theory lessons (Playlist) ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrNNL05e9FT9UnPiTktveaPrye0exDY9N ============================= 🎓 Learn Music with Nathaniel School of Music & Jason Zac ➡️ https://nathanielschool.com 📚 All our YouTube lessons (1000+) by skill level, topic & genre ➡️ https://learning-portal.nathanielschool.com ============================= ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Performance 01:23 Introduction 03:34 The Authentic Cadence 08:51 Maj7 vs Dominant 7 15:10 12 Bar Blues 20:24 Line Cliches 24:56 Funky Dorian Progression 31:09 Revision of Part 1 & Prep for Part 2 💰 Donate on PayPal ➡️ https://geni.us/DonatePayPal 📸 Instagram ➡️ https://instagram.com/jasonzac 📞 Call +91 98454 65411 · 💬 WhatsApp chat +91 77604 56847 📧 Customised & Private Classes ➡️ music@nathanielschool.com 🎧 Listen to Jason Zac Music ➡️ https://riffs.jasonzacmusic.com/ #Dominant7thChord #PianoChords #MusicTheory
Related lessons
- The Dominant 7th Chord on Piano: Ear Training, Theory & Songwriting (Part 2)
Want to truly understand the dominant 7th? In this lesson you'll explore the dominant 7th chord on the piano through ear training, theory and songwriting (Part 2). Jason Zac from Nathaniel School of Music explains the dominant 7th chord…
- 10 Types of Cadences Explained (Theory, Ear Training & Piano)
Study 10 types of cadences on the piano and learn to use these short-but-sweet chord progressions to build expressive musical phrases. Jason Zac from Nathaniel School of Music takes you through 10 types of cadences on the piano and how to…
- Build Triads & 7th Chords on Piano Using the Simplest Intervals
Learn how to play triads and seventh chords using the simplest of intervals on the piano. We use 2 scales for this demonstration, E major and Eb major, and train the ear by singing the intervals. Using these music theory concepts, you can…
- How to Choose the Right Chord for Each Mode: Ionian, Mixolydian & Lydian
Learn the survival chords for Ionian, Mixolydian & Lydian using Bb Major. We'll also look at safe triads (I–IV–V, I–II–V, I–IV–v) for ensemble playing and how to harmonize with classical or raga-based musicians. 🏫 Courses, Workshops or…
- Conquer Major, Minor & Diminished Triads and Their Inversions on Piano
This lesson aims to give you a holistic and musical way to practice chords and their inversions by pairing them as triads that have no notes in common. While this becomes a rock-solid way to develop your skills with diatonic harmony, you…
- How to Practice Chord Inversions Using the Circle of 5ths (Piano)
Drill your chord inversions on the piano the smart way — by moving them around the circle of fifths. Jason Zac from Nathaniel School of Music shows you how to practice chord inversions on the piano using the circle of fifths. By cycling…
Skill Level
Want structured lessons?
Continue with live guidance, feedback and a clear path through the Intermediate Piano Course.