Gm7

General info

Full name

G Minor 7

Symbol

Gm7

Root

G

Quality

Minor 7

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

iiiMediant (iii)Eb major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

DD MajorCmC MinorFF Major

Unstable degrees

4C

b7F

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

Gm7source

DD Major

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

Other resolutions

Gm7source

Deceptive resolution

D#D# Major

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

Gm7source

Modal resolution

FF Major

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

Gm7source

Jazz reharmonization

C7C 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.

Gm7source

Functional resolution

CC Major

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

Substitutions

Parallel

Gmaj7G Major 7

Relative

Bbmaj7Bb 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

iiim7Eb majorToniciim7F majorPredominantvim7Bb majorTonicvm7C minorDominant

Typical progressions

I-V-vi-IV

C—G—Am—F

Popii-V-I (jazz)

Dm7—G7—Cmaj7

Jazz

Compatible scales

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