Piano chord
G7G dominant seventh
- G1
- B3
- D5
- F♭7
- Notes
- 4
- Positions
- 4
- Span
- 10semitones
- Fingers
- 1-3-4-5
How to play G7 on piano
- Find G: it is the root and the lowest note of the chord in root position.
- Right hand: 1 on G, 3 on B, 4 on D, 5 on F.
- Or with the left hand: 5 on G, 3 on B, 2 on D, 1 on F.
- Press the keys together, with curved fingers and a loose wrist, and let them ring.
Root position · G – B – D – F
1st inversion · B – D – F – G
2nd inversion · D – F – G – B
3rd inversion · F – G – B – D
Numbers on the keys are fingers: 1 thumb, 2 index, 3 middle, 4 ring, 5 little finger.
G7 inversions
G7 can be played in 4 positions. In root position G is at the bottom; each inversion moves the lowest note up an octave, so another chord tone becomes the bass.
- Root positionbass: GRight hand 1-3-4-5 · Left hand 5-3-2-1
- 1st inversionbass: BRight hand 1-2-4-5 · Left hand 5-3-2-1
- 2nd inversionbass: DRight hand 1-2-3-5 · Left hand 5-4-3-1
- 3rd inversionbass: FRight hand 1-2-4-5 · Left hand 5-4-2-1
Chords that go with G7
The other chords of C major, the key where G7 is home (V7). Songs in this key move between them.
G7 with two hands
A full sound: the left hand plays G an octave lower, the right hand plays G–B–D–F.
G7 on other instruments
About the G7 chord
G dominant seventh has 4 notes: G (1), B (3), D (5), F (♭7). A dominant seventh: a major triad with the flat seventh on top. It creates tension that wants to resolve, usually to the chord a fifth below.
On the keyboard, start from G and add the other notes above it: G – B – D – F. From the lowest to the highest key that is 10 semitones. That is less than an octave, so G7 sits comfortably under one hand.
Each inversion of G7 puts a different note in the bass. In the 1st inversion the bass is B (B–D–F–G). In the 2nd inversion the bass is D (D–F–G–B). In the 3rd inversion the bass is F (F–G–B–D).
G7 is G with one note added: F.
Keys that contain G7: C major (V7), A minor (VII7), C minor (V7).
Questions
What notes are in the G7 chord?
G7 (G dominant seventh) has 4 notes: G (1), B (3), D (5), F (♭7).
How many inversions does G7 have?
G7 can be played in 4 positions: Root position (G–B–D–F); 1st inversion (B–D–F–G); 2nd inversion (D–F–G–B); 3rd inversion (F–G–B–D).
What is the difference between G7 and G?
G7 is G with one note added: F.
Can I play G7 with one hand?
Yes. In root position G7 spans 10 semitones, less than an octave, so one hand holds it easily.