Gbm7

General info

Full name

Gb Minor 7

Symbol

Gbm7

Root

Gb

Quality

Minor 7

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

iiiMediant (iii)D major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

DbDb MajorBmB MinorEE Major

Unstable degrees

4B

b7E

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

Gbm7source

DbDb Major

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

Other resolutions

Gbm7source

Deceptive resolution

DD Major

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

Gbm7source

Modal resolution

EE Major

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

Gbm7source

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.

Gbm7source

Functional resolution

BB Major

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

Substitutions

Parallel

F#maj7F# Major 7

Relative

Amaj7A 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

iiim7D majorToniciim7E majorPredominantvim7A majorTonicivm7C# minorPredominant

Typical progressions

ii-V-I (jazz)

Dm7—G7—Cmaj7

Jazz

Compatible scales

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