B Minor Seventh Chord
Chord Tones: B Minor Seventh Chord
Symbol: m7, min7, -7 — Formula: 1-♭3-5-♭7
| Degree | Note | Frequency (A=440, Equal) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | 493.883 Hz |
| ♭3 | D | 293.665 Hz |
| 5 | F# | 369.994 Hz |
| ♭7 | A | 440.000 Hz |
Chord Notation
| Notation Type | Symbol / Value |
|---|---|
| Lead Sheet Symbol | Bm7 |
| All Common Symbols | m7, min7, -7 |
| Interval Formula | 1-♭3-5-♭7 |
| Harmonic Category | mildly dissonant |
Roman numeral (e.g. I, IV, V) and Nashville Number notation are key-dependent. See Keys pages for chord function within specific keys.
Inversions
| Inversion | Notes (low to high) | Bass Note | Slash Notation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root Position | B – D – F# – A | B | B Minor Seventh Chord |
| First Inversion | D – F# – A – B | D | B Minor Seventh Chord/D |
| Second Inversion | F# – A – B – D | F# | B Minor Seventh Chord/F# |
| Third Inversion | A – B – D – F# | A | B Minor Seventh Chord/A |
Harmonic Function
The B minor seventh chord commonly functions as the leading tone (vii) in C major or dominant (V) in E major. Its harmonic role varies by key — in major keys it provides subdominant or supertonic color.
The minor seventh chord adds a minor seventh to the minor triad, creating a smooth, mellow sound. It is ubiquitous in jazz, R&B, and funk as both a chord of repose and a stepping stone in progressions.
Common Progressions
The B Minor Seventh Chord frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):
ii-V-Ii-iv-v
Songs Featuring the Minor Seventh Chord
Well-known songs where the B Minor Seventh Chord — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:
- So What – Miles Davis
- Autumn Leaves – jazz standard
- Is This Love – Bob Marley
Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments
Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.
| Note | Equal Temp. | Pythagorean | Just Intonation |
|---|---|---|---|
| B | 493.883 Hz | 495.000 Hz | 490.548 Hz |
| D | 293.665 Hz | 293.332 Hz | 294.329 Hz |
| F# | 369.994 Hz | 371.251 Hz | 367.911 Hz |
| A | 440.000 Hz | 440.000 Hz | 436.043 Hz |
Scales Containing the B Minor Seventh Chord
These scales include the B Minor Seventh Chord as a diatonic or characteristic chord: