CmMaj7b5

General info

Full name

C Minor-maj 7b5

Symbol

CmMaj7b5

Root

C

Quality

Minor-maj 7b5

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

GG MajorFmF MinorA#A# Major

Unstable degrees

4F

b5F#

resolves inward to the 4th

7B

1C

resolves up to the root

Main resolution

CmMaj7b5source

GG Major

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

Other resolutions

CmMaj7b5source

Deceptive resolution

G#G# Major

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

CmMaj7b5source

Modal resolution

A#A# Major

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

CmMaj7b5source

Jazz reharmonization

F7F 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.

CmMaj7b5source

Functional resolution

FF 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

Typical progressions

I-V-vi-IV

C—G—Am—F

Pop

Compatible scales

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