AbmMaj9

General info

Full name

Ab Minor-major 9

Symbol

AbmMaj9

Root

Ab

Quality

Minor-major 9

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

7G

1Ab

resolves up to the root

Main resolution

AbmMaj9source

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

AbmMaj9source

Deceptive resolution

EE Major

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

AbmMaj9source

Modal resolution

GbGb Major

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

AbmMaj9source

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.

AbmMaj9source

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 major 7th and 9th

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3), Major 7th (M7), 9th

Description

The minor 3rd defines the minor quality, the major 7th tends by semitone to the octave, and the 9th extends the chord.

Application

• Film scoring
• Jazz and progressive
• Dramatic transitions

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

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