Abm11

General info

Full name

Ab Minor 11

Symbol

Abm11

Root

Ab

Quality

Minor 11

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

VDominant (V)C# major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

EbEb MajorDbmDb MinorGbGb Major

Unstable degrees

4Db

b7Gb

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

Abm11source

EbEb Major

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

Other resolutions

Abm11source

Deceptive resolution

EE Major

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

Abm11source

Modal resolution

GbGb Major

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

Abm11source

Jazz reharmonization

Db7Db 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.

Abm11source

Functional resolution

DbDb Major

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

Features

Character

Minor, with minor 7th and 11th

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3), 11th

Description

The minor 3rd and minor 7th define a minor 7th chord, while the 9th and 11th add diatonic extensions.

Application

• Jazz fusion
• Lo-fi and chill
• Atmospheric guitar

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

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