what does the 7 mean on chords? erm Bb7 ? etc?

Answer 1

In all dominant seventh chords, the seventh note on a given scale is flatted one time. In example, the seventh note in the scale of C, which is B, is to be flatted to Bb. Hence every C7 contains a flatted B note.

In the scale of Bb, the seventh note is A. To obtain the dominant seventh (Bb7) the note of A is flatted to Ab.

Think of dominant seventh chords as stepping-stone chords to the next major chord. For example, E7 makes a transition from E to A and can be considered as ear candy.

Here, the seventh note in E is Eb. Flatting that note to D in the chord of E makes it E7.

Answer 2

The 7 stands for 7th... which in your example is read B flat 7th. It means that the seventh note of the scale is added to the chord.... this gives that slightly edgy tone to it . In most popular music, the next chord is usually the dominant or primary record ... which releaves the ' pressure' or feeling of the 7th. LIke the progression: C, F, C7 C

Answer 3

it means the last or the one before last note in the cord changes to a sharp. see how that sounds...