Abm6

General info

Full name

Ab Minor 6

Symbol

Abm6

Root

Ab

Quality

Minor 6

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

Main resolution

Abm6source

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

Abm6source

Deceptive resolution

EE Major

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

Abm6source

Modal resolution

GbGb Major

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

Abm6source

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.

Abm6source

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 a major 6th and no 7th

Characteristic interval

Major 6th (M6)

Description

The minor 3rd defines minor quality, while the major 6th distinguishes the chord from a natural-minor sonority with b6. Its intervals fit Dorian or melodic-minor contexts.

Application

• Minor tonic in jazz
• Dorian harmony
• Melodic minor

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

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