EbmMaj7

General info

Full name

Eb Minor-major 7

Symbol

EbmMaj7

Root

Eb

Quality

Minor-major 7

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

BbBb MajorAbmAb MinorDbDb Major

Unstable degrees

7D

1Eb

resolves up to the root

Main resolution

EbmMaj7source

BbBb Major

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

Other resolutions

EbmMaj7source

Deceptive resolution

BB Major

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

EbmMaj7source

Modal resolution

DbDb Major

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

EbmMaj7source

Jazz reharmonization

Ab7Ab 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.

EbmMaj7source

Functional resolution

AbAb 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.