Am7

General info

Full name

A Minor 7

Symbol

Am7

Root

A

Quality

Minor 7

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

viRelative tonic (vi)C major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

EE MajorDmD MinorGG Major

Unstable degrees

4D

b7G

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

Am7source

EE Major

Minor chord Am is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).

Other resolutions

Am7source

Deceptive resolution

FF Major

A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.

Am7source

Modal resolution

GG Major

In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.

Am7source

Jazz reharmonization

D7D Dominant 7

In jazz, a minor chord often serves as ii in a ii-V-I progression. Its "resolution" is the dominant a 4th up.

Am7source

Functional resolution

DD Major

As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Substitutions

Parallel

Amaj7A Major 7

Relative

Cmaj7C Major 7

Features

Character

Minor, with a minor 7th

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3), Minor 7th (b7)

Description

The minor 3rd defines the minor quality, while the minor 7th extends the triad without a leading tone.

Application

• ii and iii in major
• Jazz (ii-V-I), neo-soul
• Funk and R&B

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Harmonic context

vim7C majorToniciiim7F majorToniciim7G majorPredominantvm7D minorDominant

Typical progressions

ii-V-I (jazz)

Dm7—G7—Cmaj7

Jazz

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.