What is the d79 Chord?
The d79 chord is a type of extended dominant chord that includes a root, a major third, a perfect fifth, a minor seventh, and a major ninth. The name "d79" indicates that it is based on the D root, with the numbers representing the intervals included. This chord is often used as a dominant function chord, leading to a tonic or other chords in a progression, while adding richness through its extensions.
Construction of the d79 Chord
To understand the d79 chord, it’s essential to analyze its components:
Intervals in the d79 Chord
The d79 chord is built from the following intervals relative to the root D:
- Root: D
- Major Third: F (4 semitones above D)
- Perfect Fifth: A (7 semitones above D)
- Minor Seventh: C (10 semitones above D)
- Major Ninth: E (14 semitones above D)
This combination results in a chord that includes the core dominant seventh structure (D–F–A–C) with an added major ninth (E), creating a rich, layered sound.
Chord Formula
The formula for the d79 chord can be summarized as:
1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – 9
In the case of D, this is:
D – F – A – C – E
This formula aligns with the dominant seventh chord (1–3–5–♭7), extended with the 9th.
Voicing the d79 Chord
Voicing is crucial for making the chord sound full and expressive. Here are some tips and common voicing options:
Basic Voicing
A simple way to voice the d79 chord on piano or guitar is to include all essential tones:
- Root (D)
- Major third (F)
- Perfect fifth (A)
- Minor seventh (C)
- Major ninth (E)
For example, on guitar, you might play:
- D (5th fret, 5th string)
- C (3rd fret, 5th string)
- F (2nd fret, 4th string)
- A (2nd fret, 3rd string)
- E (2nd fret, 1st string)
On piano, you could play the notes D–F–A–C–E in various inversions or spread across the register.
Common Voicing Variations
- Drop 2 Voicing: Drop the second highest note an octave down to create a more open sound.
- Shell Voicing: Use only the essential tones: root, seventh, and ninth (D–C–E).
- Omit the Root: Often in jazz, the root is omitted if the bassist or other instruments establish the bass note, creating a lighter texture.
Function of the d79 Chord in Progressions
The d79 chord is primarily a dominant chord and usually functions to resolve to the tonic or other related chords.
As a Dominant Chord
- It strongly pulls toward the G major or G minor chords, depending on the harmonic context.
- The presence of the 9th adds tension and color, making the resolution more satisfying.
In Jazz Progressions
Commonly, the d79 chord appears in ii–V–I progressions, particularly:
- In a G major context: D79 functions as a V7(9) chord leading to G.
- In modal jazz or blues: it can serve as a passing or tonicized dominant.
Improvisation and Soloing over the d79 Chord
Mastering improvisation over the d79 chord involves understanding the scale choices and voice-leading options.
Scale Options
- Mixolydian scale: G Mixolydian (G–A–B–C–D–E–F) over D7.
- D blues scale: D–F–G–A♭–A–C, for a bluesy sound.
- D altered scale: D–E♭–F–G♭–A♭–B♭–C, for more tension and dissonance.
Approach Notes and Voice-Leading
- Use approach notes such as the 8th (E) leading into the 9th (E), or passing tones.
- Resolve the 9th (E) to the root or third as desired.
- Emphasize the flat seventh (C) to highlight the dominant function.
Popular Songs and Examples Featuring the d79 Chord
Many jazz standards and improvisations feature chords similar to d79, either explicitly or through substitutions.
Examples
- "Autumn Leaves": The V7 chord often includes extensions similar to the d79.
- "All The Things You Are": Contains complex dominant chords with extended harmonies.
- "Take the A Train": Features dominant chords with 9th and 13th extensions.
Practice Tips for Mastering the d79 Chord
To incorporate the d79 chord into your playing, consider the following exercises:
- Practice voicing the chord in different inversions on piano and guitar.
- Use backing tracks or progressions that include dominant chords with extensions.
- Improvise lines emphasizing the 9th and 7th to highlight the chord’s color.
- Experiment with substituting the d79 for other dominant chords to understand its harmonic function.
Conclusion
The d79 chord is a vital component of the jazz harmonic palette, offering a blend of tension, color, and function. Its construction from a dominant seventh with an added major ninth provides a versatile sound that can be used to enrich progressions and enhance improvisation. Whether you're a student learning jazz harmony or a seasoned musician exploring new voicings, mastering the d79 chord opens doors to more expressive and sophisticated playing. Embrace its complexity, experiment with different voicings, and listen for its authentic jazz voice in recordings to truly understand its place within the jazz idiom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the d79 chord in music theory?
The d79 chord is a dominant seventh chord built on the root D, with added extensions including the 7th, 9th, and sometimes other tones, creating a rich, jazz-inspired sound.
How do you play the d79 chord on the guitar?
To play a D79 chord on guitar, you can position your fingers to form a D7 chord and add the 9th note (E) on the appropriate string, such as fretting D on the 4th string, F or C on other strings, and including the 9th for the full sound.
What are the notes in a d79 chord?
The notes typically include D (root), F (major third), A (perfect fifth), C (minor seventh), and E (ninth), creating a D7(9) chord.
In which musical genres is the d79 chord commonly used?
The d79 chord is frequently used in jazz, blues, and fusion genres due to its rich, extended sound and harmonic complexity.
How does the d79 chord function in a chord progression?
The d79 chord functions as a dominant chord that creates tension and leads naturally to the tonic or resolution chord, often used to add color and interest in jazz and improvisation.
Are there different voicings for the d79 chord?
Yes, the d79 chord can be played in various voicings on different instruments, including open-position, barre, and jazz voicings, to suit different musical contexts.
What is the difference between a D7 and a D79 chord?
A D7 chord includes the root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh, while a D79 chord adds the 9th (E) extension, making it more colorful and complex.
Can the d79 chord be used in popular music?
While more common in jazz and blues, the d79 chord can be used in popular music to add sophistication, especially in genres that incorporate jazz harmony or extended chords.
How do I incorporate the d79 chord into my improvisation?
Use the d79 chord as a dominant target in your improvisation, emphasizing the chord tones and extensions (like the 9th) to create tension and resolve effectively.
What are common songs or progressions that feature the d79 chord?
The d79 chord appears in jazz standards and blues progressions, especially in turnarounds and ii-V-I sequences where extended dominants are used to add color and tension.
