AbmMaj7

Q: What notes are in the AbmMaj7 chord?

The AbmMaj7 chord (Ab Minor-major 7) contains: Ab, Cb, Eb, G. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build AbmMaj7 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 AbmMaj7 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 AbmMaj7?

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-major 7

Octaves

Musical context

ChordAb minorTriad

ChordAbmMaj7Ab Minor-major 7

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-major 7
Symbol: AbmMaj7
Root: Ab
Quality: Minor-major 7

Chord notes

1Abroot

b3Cbminor 3rd

5Ebperfect 5th

7Gmajor 7th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: IVSubdominant (IV)Eb major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as minor tonic
Most common resolutions: EbEb Major DbmDb Minor GbGb Major
Unstable degrees: 7G
1Ab
resolves up to the root
Main resolution: AbmMaj7source
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: AbmMaj7source
Deceptive resolution
EE Major
A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.
AbmMaj7source
Modal resolution
GbGb Major
In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.
AbmMaj7source
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.
AbmMaj7source
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 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

Root position

v1Ab(Ab4)Bass

root

v2Cb(Cb4)m3from Ab

v3Eb(Eb5)M3from Cb

v4G(G5)M3from Eb

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleG# Augmented scale ScaleC Augmented scale ScaleE Augmented scale ScaleD# Double harmonic ScaleD# Persian scale ScaleD# Byzantine ScaleD# Phrygian dominant ScaleD# Mixolydian ♭6 ScaleD# Harmonic major ScaleG Double harmonic

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how AbmMaj7 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 Chromatic scaleScale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

Ab Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Ab Augmented scaleA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

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

Open Trainer

Test yourself

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What notes are in the AbmMaj7 chord?

How do I build AbmMaj7 on the keyboard?

Which keys is AbmMaj7 found in?

What can I substitute for AbmMaj7?