AbmMaj7b5

General info

Full name

Ab Minor-maj 7b5

Symbol

AbmMaj7b5

Root

Ab

Quality

Minor-maj 7b5

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

IVSubdominant (IV)Eb major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

EbEb MajorDbmDb MinorGbGb Major

Unstable degrees

4Db

b5D

resolves inward to the 4th

7G

1Ab

resolves up to the root

Main resolution

AbmMaj7b5source

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

AbmMaj7b5source

Deceptive resolution

EE Major

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

AbmMaj7b5source

Modal resolution

GbGb Major

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

AbmMaj7b5source

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.

AbmMaj7b5source

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 diminished 5th and major 7th

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3), Diminished 5th (b5), Major 7th (M7)

Description

The minor 3rd defines minor quality, the diminished 5th forms a tritone with the root, and the major 7th lies a semitone below the octave. The two dissonances make the chord sharply unstable.

Application

• Experimental harmony
• Film scoring
• Passing chord

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

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