AmMaj7

General info

Full name

A Minor-major 7

Symbol

AmMaj7

Root

A

Quality

Minor-major 7

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

EE MajorDmD MinorGG Major

Unstable degrees

7G#

1A

resolves up to the root

Main resolution

AmMaj7source

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

AmMaj7source

Deceptive resolution

FF Major

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

AmMaj7source

Modal resolution

GG Major

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

AmMaj7source

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.

AmMaj7source

Functional resolution

DD Major

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

Features

Character

Minor, with a major 7th

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3), Major 7th (M7)

Description

The minor 3rd defines minor quality, while the major 7th lies a semitone below the octave. This combination matches the tonic chord of harmonic or melodic minor.

Application

• Tonic of harmonic and melodic minor
• Jazz minor harmony
• Chromatic 7–1 lines

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

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