>Two non-internet friends are having an argument which the geniuses >on this list should be able to put to rest. (I'm not a theory >guru.) Is there a name for for a major chord built on the flat 7th? >Example: Bb D F in CM. Thanks all. Shel
The *name* of the chord is simply Bb Major (the respondent who called it something else misunderstood your question). In traditional theory its *function* is designated either VII (as opposed to viio, the diminished chord built on the unflatted seventh), or V of III if it behaves as a secondary dominant--but all of this only in the minor. The frequent appearance of this chord in the major mode in pop music reflects the fact that most such music does not really fall into the traditional major or minor modes at all, but into the Dorian or Mixolydian, both of which have the seventh degree lowered and in which a major triad would be built on that note as a matter of course. Traditional theory does allow for the borrowing of chords across modes, so you could still call it VII or V of III, with the unspoken understanding that either you are in Dorian or Mixolydian mode, or that (more conservatively) you have borrowed this chord (and the implied major III as well) from the minor. -- Andrew Stiller Kallisti Music Press http://www.kallistimusic.com _______________________________________________ Finale mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.shsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/finale
