Where to Start With Music Theory, Episode 11: 7th Chords & How to Use Them

I observe some confusion amongst my students about 7th chords. What the differences are, and how to use them in a chord progression or song.
Here's the deal:
I ma7
ii m7
iii m7
IV ma7
V dom7
vi m7
vii m7b5
Livestreams & More on Patreon: / erichaugenguitar
My Truefire "Guitar Zen" Courses:
erichaugenguit...
To Book a Private Lesson: www.erichaugen...
To Donate: paypal.me/ebha...
Behind the Scenes on Instagram: / erichaugen_guitar
My Music on Spotify: spoti.fi/3d79BBJ
Sound Tools Used in This Vid:
1966 Fender Mustang
Custom Pickups tombrantleyrewi...
MXR Phase 90 sweetwater.sjv...
TC Flashback Delay sweetwater.sjv...
Hiwatt T20/10 Combo Amp
www.hiwatt.co.u...
Weber Attenuator www.tedweber.c...
Beyer M160 Mic sweetwater.sjv...
Cloudlifter sweetwater.sjv...
ART Tube Preamp sweetwater.sjv...
Tascam Field Recorder sweetwater.sjv...
Valhalla Vintage Verb valhalladsp.com/
Thanks for watching!

[@TacticsTechniquesandProcedures]

You’re one of the few teachers who has ever bothered to play exact notes and/or chords when referring to popular music. I believe that nuance is critical. I thank you for that, truly.

[@blonk333]

"Ive never seen Bob Ross call bullshit on anything" , is why this channel is my go to for guitar lessons. Thanks for all you do, Eric!

[@blonk333]

@@MrSatanismybitch everything cool?

[@MrSatanismybitch]

Sorry@@blonk333 . That somehow ended up as a reply to you instead of Eric. My bad 😄

[@robertbromley7678]

Man I love your vids, you are what guitar teacher should be: informative but fun and most importantly MUSICAL

[@robertbromley7678]

Also for your Phillip Seymour Hoffman (m7b5) there's an English comedian called romesh ranganathan which works haha

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks Robert - I try to keep it real!

[@daremo2010]

“So we know by now…the chords in the key of G…” This reminds me of every math class I failed…. 🤷🏼. For the same reason, I’ll admit. But… Sometimes I hear musicians call out just “dominant chord” and I never know if they mean dominant 7 or what. - Thought I knew 7ths fairly well but got lost on the side roads into the song examples and the application. - I liked the inclusion of the “how to practice this” tip. And thank you for putting these up for reasons that everyone else has mentioned…and so I can go back to review lesson 2,3, etc.

[@Thomasdgolden]

That HiWaTt sounds terrific.

[@ThibaultKV]

Great use of the Hiwatt! I do think it's something to focus on when you use 7th chords on electric guitars, you do need a setting with sharp tone. Too much overdrive or a V-type EQ don't work that well. I sometime like to put the 7th on one of the low strings when I play folk or spanish guitar, but not that much on electric.

[@nickdrey1200]

Whew baby, your tone is str8 crackin here. Nice settings

[@vltjd]

"I'm everywhere," the ubiquitous Eric Haugen, AKA the sassy Bob Ross. "It's not your fault..." First time in years. Keep it going, don't change.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

I would've loved to see some Bob Ross outtakes where he loses his shit

[@joecarl5473]

Lots of good tidbits to go through. Thank you Eric!!!

[@jdubw08]

One thing you didn't mention is the use of 4ma7 to turn around from 4 back to 1. A great little "something" to add in at the end of a chorus or verse. If it normally goes 4 -> 1 just make it go 4 -> 4ma7 -> 1.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah! I failed to mention the "airy" quality of a major 7th chord. Perfect to throw at the end of a cadence to open it up!

[@JasonClute]

Last couple of years I’ve really been enjoying going deeper into theory. So I have a good understanding of why different chords in a key get the different 7ths. Then one day it hit me…a lot blues just does dom7 on the 1 4 5. So I knew it was out of key on the 1&4 and tried looking up where it comes from. There was a lot of complicated explanations then ran across someone in a forum that just said, “it’s the blues”. I just left my search there and kept on jamming 🤘🏽

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yes! There's a lot of times when stuff is just ".......bluesy."

[@druwk]

Great series! Still trying to dig into earlier episodes, but can’t wait to start working on this one!

[@BeRadHudson]

I'm a new fan and absolutely love the fact that you sit there and it feels like you're just jamming with (me) a student... great rapport building! Look forward to more and more!🎸🎼

[@gibsonfenderbacker2374]

I share your passion. I could have a conversation about guitars and tone for hours. Great instructions. Please keep up the great work. 👍

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

It's so fun!

[@roberthuey7103]

Dude love your content as humor when you talk things through. Keep it coming!

[@Mwandiambira]

Yet another awesome video Eric. Always plenty to take away, regardless where you’re at in your learning. Wanna see some Radiohead dude, after your comment about them in a previous video (“those guys know what they’re doing”), you gotta do it man. Pretty please.

[@user-yo9vp6kc3d]

Can you please do an episode on chord tones!? I think that’s the thing that will take my playing the the next level and I’d love to hear your take on it!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Interesting idea! Market research: Do you have a more specific question about chord tone confusion? "Chord Tones" is kinda a biiiiiiig topic

[@l.a.covers8400]

@@EricHaugenGuitar how to use it for soloing over chords. And maybe some exercises to drill it in.

[@ThomasArques]

Another awesome video Eric. And terrific guitar tone. 👏🏼🎸🎶

[@steveo44]

Ha ha yeah bob ross!. Made me smile that one!. Chilled out music teacher without a doubt. Great lesson as always. My biggest guitar playing regret is not learning this stuff early doors.. It took 10 years for me to learn theory. The hiwatt sounds awesome. 16.15..lyin eyes by the eagles.. Or something by the beatles if in the key of c!

[@ElChadinotunes]

I love watching your vids, Eric! Always great playing.

[@AlexRuark]

Checked out your Runes EP, good stuff! Thanks for the lessons, really digging your style of teaching. Keep up all the good work! Subbed.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks so much Alex!

[@kevingarywilkes]

Thanks. Always helpful.

[@vikinglord7252]

Contrats on the 100k subscribers, I noticed that you just passed it. Can't wait to see that YT silver play button tramp stamp!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

hahahaha I totally might do it

[@jotruck8581]

Thank you U very funny and so well spoken. Loved it.

[@joegearing1745]

Ma-ry Stew-art Mast-Rson (some people say she has 7 syllables in her name, but they aren't doing it properly)

[@gab_ale]

3:41 I agree. Awesome chord, and awesome song Benny and The Jets. Is that a new song I hear for the outro?

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Actually an old demo! I sneak in whatever old tracks I have sitting on my hard drive for the endings, that way I don't have to worry about copyright issues :-)

[@brianpinal6172]

Do you always run an attenuator with the small amps? Talent aside, I think your base sound is fantastic. I can't seem to get my gear to sing as sweetly. 🎶

[@mattgilbert7347]

I believe he uses a Weber Mini Mass attenuator

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

If I want the amp to crunch, yes! Also, the weber mini mass has a magic ability to silence some of an amp's transformer hum = bonus!

[@brianshank1419]

Eric, this terrific video really clarified the differences in 7th chords for me, although the nomenclature is still confusing. I've got a Chapel Hill band-related question on this video. is the Am7, Bm7, Em7 chord progression that you discuss starting around 7:42 the basic chord progression in Dillon Fence's "Something For You?" (You can hear the chord progression in the song slowed down in tempo and easier to hear at the 1:34 mark of the song.) To my ears, Greg Humphreys is just playing higher pitched voicings at a faster tempo for the main rhythm? In any event, thank you for the lesson, and yes, this is also a shameless pitch for a Dillon Fence-style funk lesson video! The world needs to know of the Chapel Hill music scene. Be well!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Almost! Sounds like Greg is going Em - Cma7 - Am - Em Side note: Scott Carle (Dillon Fence drummer) is a good friend of mine! In fact, he played all the drums on my upcoming LP!

[@brianshank1419]

Thanks so much, Eric! Can't wait to hear your new record!

[@ijwhite]

I come for the learnings... I drop everything I'm doing and listen for the tasty tasty tone. Thanks Eric. How did the Magic Lantern Hack work for you on the t5i?

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Still haven't done it! Any new variable I introduce into the filming operation is potential for error - memory cards, focus, lighting, mics, field recorder, preamps. There's so much going on when I shoot that I'm not gonna change anything unless I absolutely have to!

[@ijwhite]

@@EricHaugenGuitar understandable. I wouldn't want anything to mess with your workflow either. Great video once again!

[@Ones_Complement]

Eh, you had it with Philip Seymour Hoffman. Same amount of syllables.

[@cartick9537]

rabrindanth tagore - nobel laureate, m7b5

[@mauroballoni1193]

Hi Eric, a little question: at 3.55 why is a Fmaj7 there? It's next to Gmaj7, right? There aren't two maj7 chords close to each other in a key, am I right? But this sounds good. I've seen this before but I can't understand it. For instance: if I play Amj7 Gmaj7 Fmaj7 Gmaj7, it sound good to me, but WHY? Thank you.

[@flicoxjumper]

My man👌

[@curtiseickhoff5189]

What’s the song at the end of this video?? Sounds great, I hope it’s your band.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Actually an old demo! I sneak in whatever old tracks I have sitting on my hard drive for the endings, that way I don't have to worry about copyright issues :-)

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

YEAH! COMIN' DOWN THE MOUNTAIIIIIIIIIIN

[@pbomike]

It’s cool to add a vocabulary to the stuff I’m playing. Happy Friday! PS, I’m ready to start a society for dimmer pedal lights.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

FOR REAL! I have 4 layers of painter's tape on the LEDs now and they're finally reasonable.

[@HiHello-ku1fl]

What Hiwatt model is that?/It does have that classic Hiwatt sound but is small and low wattage. I could use one. I dig the AC4 with a 12 a lot too.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

It's the T20/10 - I love it! Did a review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5PPq3mkaseKj9U

[@jltrem]

Also your hair is a lot better than Bob Ross'. His was permed. You're obviously natural...and untamed. (also, nice Rat Pack "Like A Rolling Stone)

[@JasonJBrunet]

TREE

[@johnandre5558]

Stream of consciousness question. Is that stool comfortable enough sitting at a computer? I am really trying to justify getting one.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yes! I have the back for it as well and that's what I use all day in my office when editing vids and teaching lessons!

[@johnandre5558]

@@EricHaugenGuitar I really do need a better spot to sit.

[@chilldude30]

I really don't think you need to day the arrows go forward thing. Most people who watch probably already know you, or know that, or don't use desktop. Just my 2p!

[@prtauvers]

“Might sound shitty, might sound cool”- story of my life.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

me too

[@karlfarren]

Syllables game: Min or sev en flat five. Rob ert Dow ney jun ior

[@brockbonin700]

What song do you have playing at the end of the video?

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

That was an old fuzzed-out demo of a song that is on my current record "Chances Are" I re-recorded it all chill style: open.spotify.com/track/31WfbBiQmvgPeVXcluJLpq?si=51924048007a4db2

[@brockbonin700]

Oh sweet thanks, sounds really good

[@bigpapachance]

Bob Ross makes hotel art....😆😆

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Haugen throwin' some serious shade on my teaching guru

[@douglasbroccone3144]

Dude, Bob Ross was a bad ass Master sergeant in the Airforce who screamed at people on an Alaskan airbase. He took to painting to calm the f@#$ down. Dude was probably a ticking time bomb... lol

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah! The pics of him sans-fro are LEGENDARY

[@bplimpton]

Giancarlo Esposito

[@Theylieohio]

The Firm "live in piece " C minor 7 ?

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

hrmmm upon a quick listen I heard: Em /// Em /// C /// C ///

[@Diauvi]

The actor could be "Phillip Michael Thomas" ?

[@nickfehrenbach382]

😂 Bob Ross got me dying 💀

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

I love him and he's an eternal inspiration! But I'm a bit more snobby in my hipster doofus tastes :-)

[@danielhoffheins2068]

Gmaj7 + Cars = It's an orangey sky...

[@thegolfnut812]

Play that funky music white boy!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

btw I don't like any amp sims :-) I use amplitube's Fender Super Reverb sometimes on my backing tracks but never as a primary tone.

[@thegolfnut812]

@@EricHaugenGuitar I'm playing around with amp sims and Reaper. Caution, if you catch a VST it can be difficult to cure yourself. I have a couple of great amps but I don't have mic's and to get some tones it's just too loud. I've thought of an Ox box. I like the tones you get on your videos with your amps and I have to say I'm jealous. I actually like playing through headphones and so I'll keep playing with VST's for now. Reaper is very good but there is so much to it, it blows me away.

[@EyesFoward]

Actually not sure the 7th chord was a European introduction and it most probably round about the 19th century.

[@misterknightowlandco]

Lol sassier than bob ross can be achieved by simply knowing what sass is… that guy was so mellow that you almost suspect he was just holding it all in and was going to blow up one day cuz no one can be that mellow lol

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Ross was a drill sergeant in the air force before he chilled out and became the dude we all know! Crazy!

[@misterknightowlandco]

@@EricHaugenGuitar seriously? The last thing I ever would have guessed he did is be a drill Sargent. The more you know!

[@madsbrandt598]

Please dont shittalk my greatgreatgreat grandpa. And remember the realtionship berween the chords does not matter as much as the emotion you amplify them with

[@Gazzhands]

Am-ma-da-us Moz-art?

[@mattgilbert7347]

"You can always make a minor chord a minor 7...jazzes it up" *Rick Wright arises from grave to reclaim his contribution to Pink Floyd*

[@sealsept]

Michael Martin Murphy

[@davidbethke5701]

More Chris Elliot in a wig, than Bob Ross

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

HAHAHAHAHAHA I should be offended by this but I'm dying😂 Roland Schitt!

[@michaelperez3887]

why is it called a 7chord, where is this 7 coming from, how do you determine what make a 7 chord? like math I guess I'm too low IQ to understand. I have no problem to say I failed at math and i failed to understand anything, so many vids i look at and still don't understand. :(

[@mrtwohats]

Angelina Jolie.

[@scrantonguitar]

Happy little mistake …

[@kokobily]

Robert Downey Junior

[@seanclarke8255]

Angelina Jolie

[@starbattles1]

so damn frustrating

[@mcguire182]

Arnold schwarzenegger

[@MrSatanismybitch]

m7b5 ideas :- Mississippi Burning Gatorade and Vodka Lemme get my big gun Never let 'em scare you

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

OMG this is perfect - totally a Tom Waits lyric too!

[@MrSatanismybitch]

@@EricHaugenGuitar Haha! I could go on all day.. Mayonnaise on French fries Alabaster sunrise Smoking out the bee hive Can I get a high five

[@craigvial3441]

Chitty chitty bang bang

[@cnking27]

Angelina Jolie.