GbmMaj9

General info

Full name

Gb Minor-major 9

Symbol

GbmMaj9

Root

Gb

Quality

Minor-major 9

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

DbDb MajorBmB MinorEE Major

Unstable degrees

7F

1Gb

resolves up to the root

Main resolution

GbmMaj9source

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

GbmMaj9source

Deceptive resolution

DD Major

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

GbmMaj9source

Modal resolution

EE Major

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

GbmMaj9source

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.

GbmMaj9source

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 major 7th and 9th

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3), Major 7th (M7), 9th

Description

The minor 3rd defines the minor quality, the major 7th tends by semitone to the octave, and the 9th extends the chord.

Application

• Film scoring
• Jazz and progressive
• Dramatic transitions

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

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