Em7

General info

Full name

E Minor 7

Symbol

Em7

Root

E

Quality

Minor 7

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

iiiMediant (iii)C major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

BB MajorAmA MinorDD Major

Unstable degrees

4A

b7D

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

Em7source

BB Major

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

Other resolutions

Em7source

Deceptive resolution

CC Major

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

Em7source

Modal resolution

DD Major

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

Em7source

Jazz reharmonization

A7A 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.

Em7source

Functional resolution

AA Major

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

Substitutions

Parallel

Emaj7E Major 7

Relative

Gmaj7G 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

iiim7C majorToniciim7D majorPredominantvim7G majorTonicim7E minorTonic

Typical progressions

ii-V-I (jazz)

Dm7—G7—Cmaj7

Jazz

Compatible scales

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