Bm7

General info

Full name

B Minor 7

Symbol

Bm7

Root

B

Quality

Minor 7

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

viRelative tonic (vi)D major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

F#F# MajorEmE MinorAA Major

Unstable degrees

4E

b7A

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

Bm7source

F#F# Major

Minor chord Bm is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).

Other resolutions

Bm7source

Deceptive resolution

GG Major

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

Bm7source

Modal resolution

AA Major

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

Bm7source

Jazz reharmonization

E7E 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.

Bm7source

Functional resolution

EE Major

As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Substitutions

Parallel

Bmaj7B Major 7

Relative

Dmaj7D Major 7

Features

Character

Minor, with a minor 7th

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3), Minor 7th (b7)

Description

The minor 3rd defines the minor quality, while the minor 7th extends the triad without a leading tone.

Application

• ii and iii in major
• Jazz (ii-V-I), neo-soul
• Funk and R&B

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Harmonic context

vim7D majorToniciiim7G majorToniciim7A majorPredominantvm7E minorDominant

Typical progressions

ii-V-I (jazz)

Dm7—G7—Cmaj7

Jazz

Compatible scales

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