What is the Minor 7th?
Learn Bass Guitar – Minor 7th Pattern –> The Minor 7th is constructed of 4 notes derived from the minor scale. These are the roots, 3rd, 5th, and 7th notes. Below is a diagram of a G minor scale with the roots, 3rd, 5th, and 7th notes highlighted:
Here is the G Minor 7th pattern by itself:
Minor 7th Fingering
The minor 7th can be played using a 4 fret span pattern. This pattern can be applied using any root notes on the E or A string. To play this pattern, use the following fingering:
- Low Root – 1 finger (index)
- 2nd note – 4 finger (pinkie)
- 3rd note – 3 finger (ring)
- 5th note – 1 finger (index)
- High Root – 4 finger (pinkie)
Using the Minor 7th
The minor 7th is one of the most commonly used patterns on bass guitar. You’ll hear it in most styles and genres of music. It is most often played in conjunction with other patterns and chords. For example, you’ll hear often hear the 7th mixed in with the minor triad – simply adding the 7th note to the triad when it sounds good.
The minor 7th can fit in to many situations. It’s important to use it when minor chords are being played or when a song is in a minor key. Just be sure that it sounds good before deciding to use it – as always let your ear be the final judge.
Songs that Use the Minor 7th Pattern
Examples of songs with minor seventh chords include LaBelle’s “Lady Marmalade”, Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly with His Song”, The Doobie Brothers’ “Long Train Runnin'”, Chic’s “Le Freak”, Lipps Inc.’s “Funkytown”, and the Eagles’ “One Of These Nights”.
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Learn Bass Guitar – Minor 7th Pattern