BbmMaj7b5

General info

Full name

Bb Minor-maj 7b5

Symbol

BbmMaj7b5

Root

Bb

Quality

Minor-maj 7b5

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

FF MajorEbmEb MinorAbAb Major

Unstable degrees

4Eb

b5E

resolves inward to the 4th

7A

1Bb

resolves up to the root

Main resolution

BbmMaj7b5source

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

BbmMaj7b5source

Deceptive resolution

GbGb Major

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

BbmMaj7b5source

Modal resolution

AbAb Major

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

BbmMaj7b5source

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.

BbmMaj7b5source

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 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

Harmony

Compatible scales

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