Gbm

General info

Full name

Gb Minor

Symbol

Gbm

Root

Gb

Quality

Minor

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

Main resolution

Gbmsource

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

Gbmsource

Deceptive resolution

DD Major

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

Gbmsource

Modal resolution

EE Major

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

Gbmsource

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.

Gbmsource

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#F# Major

Relative

AA Major

Mediant

DD Major

Features

Character

Minor, stable

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3)

Description

The minor 3rd defines the minor quality, while the perfect 5th preserves the triad’s stability.

Application

• ii, iii, vi in major
• Ballads, rock, jazz, blues
• Minor progressions

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Harmonic context

iiiD majorToniciiE majorPredominantviA majorTonicivC# minorPredominant

Compatible scales

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