A#mMaj7b5

Q: What notes are in the A#mMaj7b5 chord?

The A#mMaj7b5 chord (A# Minor-maj 7b5) contains: A#, C#, E, A. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build A#mMaj7b5 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 A#mMaj7b5 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 A#mMaj7b5?

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.

A# Minor-maj 7b5

Octaves

Musical context

ChordA#dimTriad

ChordA#mMaj7b5A# Minor-maj 7b5

ArpeggioA# minorBroken triad

ScaleA# minor7 notes

KeyA# minorMinor key

ProgressionAndalusianSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: A# Minor-maj 7b5
Symbol: A#mMaj7b5
Root: A#
Quality: Minor-maj 7b5

Chord notes

1A#root

b3C#minor 3rd

b5Edim 5th

7Amajor 7th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as minor tonic
Most common resolutions: FF Major D#mD# Minor G#G# Major
Unstable degrees: 4D#
b5E
resolves inward to the 4th
7A
1A#
resolves up to the root
Main resolution: A#mMaj7b5source
FF Major
Minor chord A#m is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).
Other resolutions: A#mMaj7b5source
Deceptive resolution
F#F# Major
A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.
A#mMaj7b5source
Modal resolution
G#G# Major
In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.
A#mMaj7b5source
Jazz reharmonization
D#7D# 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.
A#mMaj7b5source
Functional resolution
D#D# 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

Root position

v1A#(A#4)Bass

root

v2C#(C#5)m3from A#

v3E(E5)m3from C#

v4A(A5)P4from E

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleA Double harmonic ScaleA Byzantine ScaleA Phrygian dominant ScaleA# Hungarian minor ScaleD Harmonic minor ScaleD Hungarian minor ScaleD Harmonic major ScaleF Double harmonic ScaleF Persian scale ScaleF Byzantine

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how A#mMaj7b5 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: GmG minor
Dominant: FF major
Subdominant: EbEb major
Key signature: 2 flats (Bb, Eb)

What to learn next

ScaleBb 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

Bb Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Bb Diminished 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 A#mMaj7b5 chord?

How do I build A#mMaj7b5 on the keyboard?

Which keys is A#mMaj7b5 found in?

What can I substitute for A#mMaj7b5?