Abm

Q: What notes are in the Abm chord?

The Abm chord (Ab Minor) contains: Ab, Cb, Eb. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Abm 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 Abm 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 Abm?

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 Minor

Octaves

Musical context

ChordAb minorTriad

ArpeggioAb minorBroken triad

ScaleAb minor7 notes

KeyAb minorMinor key

ProgressionAndalusianSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: Ab Minor
Symbol: Abm
Root: Ab
Quality: Minor

Chord notes

1Abroot

b3Cbminor 3rd

5Ebperfect 5th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: VDominant (V)C# major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as minor tonic
Most common resolutions: EbEb Major DbmDb Minor GbGb Major
Main resolution: Abmsource
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: Abmsource
Deceptive resolution
EE Major
A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.
Abmsource
Modal resolution
GbGb Major
In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.
Abmsource
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.
Abmsource
Functional resolution
DbDb Major
As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Substitutions

Parallel: AbAb Major
Relative: BB Major
Mediant: EE 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