Bbm9

General info

Full name

Bb Minor 9

Symbol

Bbm9

Root

Bb

Quality

Minor 9

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

viRelative tonic (vi)C# major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

FF MajorEbmEb MinorAbAb Major

Unstable degrees

4Eb

b7Ab

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

Bbm9source

FF Major

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

Other resolutions

Bbm9source

Deceptive resolution

GbGb Major

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

Bbm9source

Modal resolution

AbAb Major

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

Bbm9source

Jazz reharmonization

Eb7Eb 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.

Bbm9source

Functional resolution

EbEb Major

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

Features

Character

Minor, with a minor 7th and 9th

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3), 9th

Description

The minor 3rd and minor 7th form m7, while the major 9th adds a diatonic extension. The chord is denser than m7 but retains minor quality.

Application

• ii9 in major
• Minor tonic in jazz
• Neo-soul and R&B

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

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