F#mMaj7

F# Minor-major 7

Octaves

Musical context

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name
F# Minor-major 7
Symbol
F#mMaj7
Root
F#
Quality
Minor-major 7

Chord notes

1F#root
b3Aminor 3rd
5C#perfect 5th
7E#major 7th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key
iiiMediant (iii)D major
Stability / tension
Stable — can serve as minor tonic
Most common resolutions
Unstable degrees
7F
1F#
resolves up to the root
Main resolution
F#mMaj7source
C#C# Major
Minor chord F#m is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).
Other resolutions
F#mMaj7source
Deceptive resolution
DD Major
A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.
F#mMaj7source
Modal resolution
EE Major
In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.
F#mMaj7source
Jazz reharmonization
B7B 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.
F#mMaj7source
Functional resolution
BB 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

Root position

v1F#(F#4)Bass
root
v2A(A4)m3from F#
v3C#(C#5)M3from A
v4E#(E#5)M3from C#

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how F#mMaj7 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmF#major
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
6 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#)

Practice

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Frequently Asked Questions