Dominant

What is a Dominant chord?

Whilst the term ‘dominant’ generally refers to the V chord in any major key (which can be just a simple major chord), the dominant chords here are referring to Dominant 7th chords which has a more assertive sound and greater pull towards the tonic or I (one) chord. As such, it is built using four notes: the root note, the major third, the perfect fifth, and the minor seventh.
For example, in the G dominant chord, the notes are G, B, D, and F. The root note is the note that the chord is named after, which is G in this case. The major third is four half-steps or two whole-steps above the root note, which is B in this case. The perfect fifth is seven half-steps or three and a half whole-steps above the root note, which is D in this case. And the minor seventh is ten half-steps or five whole-steps above the root note, which is F in this case.
Bare in mind a half-step is equal to 1 fret on guitar and a whole-step is equal to 2 frets.

How is it used?

In chord progressions, the dominant chord is often used to create tension that is resolved by moving to the tonic, or home, chord of the key. In a major key, the V (five) chord is typically a dominant chord and serves as the primary dominant chord.

The dominant chord is often used in chord progressions to create movement and interest. It is a particularly special and a very important chord that can also help us change key smoothly...probably why it is one of the most essential chords for jazz, it is ever present and used in the foundational II-V-I and VI-II-V-I chord progressions.

Dominant chord variations

There are a quite few variations of Dominant chord, from the basic triads (three note chords) to chord extensions.

Chord extensions are additional notes that can be added to basic triads or seventh chords to create more complex and nuanced harmonic structures. These notes are typically added above the basic triad or seventh chord and can include 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths.

To view the guitar chord shapes pick a Dominant chord type from the menu above.