Simple G7

Hi I've been studying the beginner course, along with a little reading on my own. My question is, why is the number 1 string in the first fret G7 and not F ? Thanks for any help Bob

Hi Bob, The note at the first fret of the 1st (high E) string is an F note. The G7 chord (all 7th chords actually) use the 7th degree of the scale...in this case the F note at fret 1 of the high E string in order to form the 7th chord. A G chord is made up of three notes G, B and D. To make a 7th chord the F note (7th) must be added. The G7 chord contains the G, B, D and F notes. Some of these notes repeat on the open G, B and D strings when we form the standard G chord shape. I hope this helps to answer your question. Hope you enjoy your guitar journey!

Jim

Thanks

Hey Robroske,

Just to add a litte more to what Jim explained -- the F in a G7 chord is actually called a b7 (Flat 7 or Minor 7). It helps to differentiate between Major 7th (F#) and Minor 7th (F) because they're drastically different sounds. It's not just any 7. :)

Whenever you see it notated like G7 (as opposed to GMaj7 or Gm7) it will always mean a G Major Chord with a b7 (Flat 7) by default. This is also called a Dominant 7th chord.

This is all the long way of saying that there's more than one type of 7.

-Carl.