EmMaj7

General info

Full name

E Minor-major 7

Symbol

EmMaj7

Root

E

Quality

Minor-major 7

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

BB MajorAmA MinorDD Major

Unstable degrees

7D#

1E

resolves up to the root

Main resolution

EmMaj7source

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

EmMaj7source

Deceptive resolution

CC Major

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

EmMaj7source

Modal resolution

DD Major

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

EmMaj7source

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.

EmMaj7source

Functional resolution

AA Major

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

Features

Character

Minor, with a major 7th

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3), Major 7th (M7)

Description

The minor 3rd defines minor quality, while the major 7th lies a semitone below the octave. This combination matches the tonic chord of harmonic or melodic minor.

Application

• Tonic of harmonic and melodic minor
• Jazz minor harmony
• Chromatic 7–1 lines

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

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