What makes the blues "Bluesy" and jazz "Jazzy"?

An example of a jazz music sheet. Photo Credits

MINOR 7TH CHORDS

In contrast to the dominant 7th chords, the minor 7th chords are characterized as a little bit softer and jazzier.

Fingering minor 7th chords

Dm7 Chord diagram and left-hand fingering

 

Em7 Chord diagram and left-hand fingering

 

Am7 Chord diagram and left-hand fingering

 

As you may notice, you finger the Am7 chord like you do the C chord (see post about C Chord Family). You only need to lift your third finger off a C chord and you have Am7 chord. Same is true when you lift your third finger off a F chord - you'll have the Dm7 chord.


MAJOR 7TH CHORDS

On the other hand, major 7th chords are bright and jazzy in its character. Major 7th chords are written as "maj" or simply a capital "M" followed by a number "7".

Fingering major 7th chords

CM7 / Cmaj7 Chord diagram and left-hand fingering

 

AM7 / Amaj7 Chord diagram and left-hand fingering

 

FM7 / Fmaj7 Chord diagram and left-hand fingering

 

DM7 / Dmaj7 Chord diagram and left-hand fingering

 

In fingering the DM7 chord, you will be using the barre technique to fret three strings with you first finger at the same time. Rotating your first finger slightly on its side helps make the chord easier to play.

Very easy chords, right?