Bbm

General info

Full name

Bb Minor

Symbol

Bbm

Root

Bb

Quality

Minor

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

Main resolution

Bbmsource

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

Bbmsource

Deceptive resolution

GbGb Major

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

Bbmsource

Modal resolution

AbAb Major

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

Bbmsource

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.

Bbmsource

Functional resolution

EbEb Major

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

Substitutions

Parallel

BbBb Major

Relative

C#C# Major

Mediant

F#F# Major

Features

Character

Minor, stable

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3)

Description

The minor 3rd defines the minor quality, while the perfect 5th preserves the triad’s stability.

Application

• ii, iii, vi in major
• Ballads, rock, jazz, blues
• Minor progressions

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Harmonic context

iiAb majorPredominantvEb minorDominantivF minorPredominantiBb minorTonic

Compatible scales

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