Abmaj7b5

Q: What notes are in the Abmaj7b5 chord?

The Abmaj7b5 chord (Ab Major 7b5) contains: Ab, C, D, G. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Abmaj7b5 on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is Abmaj7b5 found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for Abmaj7b5?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

Ab Major 7b5

Octaves

Musical context

ChordAb majorTriad

ChordAbmaj7b5Ab Major 7b5

ArpeggioAb majorBroken triad

ScaleAb major7 notes

KeyAb majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: Ab Major 7b5
Symbol: Abmaj7b5
Root: Ab
Quality: Major 7b5

Chord notes

1Abroot

3Cmajor 3rd

b5Ddim 5th

7Gmajor 7th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: IVSubdominant (IV)Eb major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: DbDb Major EbEb Major FmF Minor
Unstable degrees: 4Db
b5D
resolves inward to the 4th
7G
1Ab
resolves up to the root
Main resolution: Abmaj7b5source
EbEb Major
Major chord Ab is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions: Abmaj7b5source
Deceptive resolution
FmF Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Abmaj7b5source
Modal resolution
GbGb Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Abmaj7b5source
Jazz reharmonization
Abmaj7Ab Major 7
In jazz, a major chord is enriched to maj7, 6/9, or add9 and can smoothly transition into a ii-V of another key (modulation).
Abmaj7b5source
Functional resolution
EbEb Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character: Major, with major 7th and diminished 5th
Characteristic interval: Diminished 5th (b5), Major 7th (M7)
Description: The major 3rd preserves major quality, while the diminished 5th and major 7th create two directed dissonances.
Application: Lydian mode
Contemporary jazz
Experimental harmony

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1Ab(Ab4)Bass

root

v2C(C5)M3from Ab

v3D(D5)M2from C

v4G(G5)P4from D

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC Hirajoshi (Japanese)ScaleD Iwato (Japanese)ScaleG In (Japanese)ScaleG# Chinese scale ScaleF Akebono (Japanese)ScaleD Blues scale ScaleC Aeolian (natural minor)ScaleC Harmonic minor ScaleC Hungarian minor ScaleC Mixolydian ♭6

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Abmaj7b5 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: FmF minor
Dominant: EbEb major
Subdominant: DbDb major
Key signature: 4 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db)

What to learn next

ScaleAb LydianScale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

Ab LydianA scale related to this chord

Ab Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Ab Persian scaleA scale related to this chord

Ab Enigmatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Ab Chinese scaleA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

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Test yourself

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What notes are in the Abmaj7b5 chord?

How do I build Abmaj7b5 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Abmaj7b5 found in?

What can I substitute for Abmaj7b5?