Am

General info

Full name

A Minor

Symbol

Am

Root

A

Quality

Minor

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

Main resolution

Amsource

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

Amsource

Deceptive resolution

FF Major

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

Amsource

Modal resolution

GG Major

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

Amsource

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.

Amsource

Functional resolution

DD Major

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

Substitutions

Parallel

AA Major

Relative

CC Major

Mediant

FF Major

Features

Character

Minor, stable

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3)

Description

The minor 3rd defines the minor quality, while the perfect 5th preserves the triad’s stability.

Application

• ii, iii, vi in major
• Ballads, rock, jazz, blues
• Minor progressions

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Harmonic context

viC majorToniciiiF majorToniciiG majorPredominantvD minorDominant

Typical transitions

EDominant of AmFCommon pair

Typical progressions

I-V-vi-IV

C—G—Am—F

Pop

Compatible scales

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