A♭ Minor-Major Seventh Chord

Chord Tones: A♭ Minor-Major Seventh Chord

Symbol: mMaj7, m△7 — Formula: 1-♭3-5-7

Chord Notation

Roman numeral (e.g. I, IV, V) and Nashville Number notation are key-dependent. See Keys pages for chord function within specific keys.

Inversions

Harmonic Function

The A♭ minor major seventh chord commonly functions as the submediant (♭VI) in C minor or subdominant in E♭ major. Its harmonic role varies by key — in major keys it provides subdominant or supertonic color.

The minor-major seventh chord combines a minor triad with a major seventh, creating a uniquely tense sound. It appears in descending bass lines and is characteristic of film noir and jazz. The A♭ Minor-Major Seventh Chord specifically contains 4 notes: A♭, B, E♭, G (formula: 1-♭3-5-7). On piano, Ab-rooted chords use a combination of black and white keys that creates a relaxed hand shape, favored by Romantic-era composers for lyrical passages. Pop ballads, film scores, and neo-soul tracks often use Ab chords for their warm, enveloping quality — the key sits comfortably for many vocal ranges.

Common Progressions

The A♭ Minor-Major Seventh Chord frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):

• i-imaj7-i7-iv

Songs Featuring the Minor-Major Seventh Chord

Well-known songs where the A♭ Minor-Major Seventh Chord — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:

• Cry Me a River – Julie London
• James Bond Theme – John Barry
• Willow Weep for Me – jazz standard

Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments

Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.

Scales Containing the A♭ Minor-Major Seventh Chord

These scales include the A♭ Minor-Major Seventh Chord as a diatonic or characteristic chord: