I'm playing some ii-V-I exercises with the root in the LH and chords in the RH, and was wondering if there are any guidelines as to what a good range is on the piano for basic 4 note 7th chords, 1 3 5 7, 3 5 7 9,..., 7 9 11 13. What would be the lowest you'd go on the piano for these chords? Does it make a difference whether you're playing a major 7 chord vs a minor 7 chord for example?

I was thinking maybe the lowest would be around B next to middle C or maybe lower to G below middle C?

This would also apply when I'm doing some basic comping with the LH and playing melody with the RH off a lead sheet. Thanks.

On a piano I'm quite happy with close-position chords down to an octave below middle C. It's a dark sound, but that's fine! Below there, it does get rather muddy.

(Cue a discussion of the brighter, thinner sound of pianos in Beethoven's time, leather-covered hammers etc.)

On a piano I'm quite happy with close-position chords down to an octave below middle C. It's a dark sound, but that's fine! Below there, it does get rather muddy. But what do YOUR ears say?

(Cue a discussion of the brighter, thinner sound of pianos in Beethoven's time, leather-covered hammers etc.)

Ken,

Randy H. in Metaphors for the musician gives a very elegant answer to your question. Basically, how to choose the right inversion so your chords stays more or less between middle C and octave below. It's not just about muddy and thin, but also about smooth voice leading.
Also, I personally don't consider 7 9 11 13 to be a basic 4 note chord.
No, it doesn't matter to me whether it is major or minor. What matters the most is voice leading.
Finally, if you are not soloing with your right hand, you can move your chords way up. If you are soloing, it isn't so convenient.

take care++

Thanks EW, knotty. That's useful to know. I like Randy's answer