About Associated V7 Chords
The "associated V7" concept helps you think about dominant 7th chords in relation to their target key. When you know you're playing the V7 of C major (G7), you can instantly identify each chord tone by its function: the root (G), 3rd (B), 5th (D), 7th (F), and extensions. This functional thinking accelerates improvisation and chord voicing.
Who Is This For?
These flashcards benefit jazz pianists building voicings, guitarists learning chord-melody, horn players outlining changes, and any musician wanting to deepen their understanding of functional harmony. The skill transfers directly to sight-reading lead sheets and spontaneous reharmonization.
How to Practice
Start by mastering the four basic chord tones (root, 3rd, 5th, 7th) before adding extensions. Think in terms of the target key—if you're on C major's V7, you're on G7, and the 3rd is B. Practice until you can name any chord tone without calculating from the V7 root directly.
Common Challenges
The mental step of "C's V7 is G7, so the 3rd is B" can slow you down. The goal is to eliminate that middle step through repetition. Eventually, "3rd of C's V7" should instantly produce "B" without consciously thinking about G7 as an intermediary.