Bb Minor Seventh Chord
Chord Tones: Bb Minor Seventh Chord
Symbol: m7, min7, -7 — Formula: 1-♭3-5-♭7
| Degree | Note | Frequency (A=440, Equal) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bb | 466.164 Hz |
| ♭3 | Db | 277.183 Hz |
| 5 | F | 349.228 Hz |
| ♭7 | Ab | 415.305 Hz |
Chord Notation
| Notation Type | Symbol / Value |
|---|---|
| Lead Sheet Symbol | Bbm7 |
| 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 | Bb – Db – F – Ab | Bb | Bb Minor Seventh Chord |
| First Inversion | Db – F – Ab – Bb | Db | Bb Minor Seventh Chord/Db |
| Second Inversion | F – Ab – Bb – Db | F | Bb Minor Seventh Chord/F |
| Third Inversion | Ab – Bb – Db – F | Ab | Bb Minor Seventh Chord/Ab |
Harmonic Function
The Bb minor seventh chord commonly functions as the subtonic (♭VII) in C major or subdominant in F 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 Bb 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 Bb 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bb | 466.164 Hz | 463.538 Hz | 470.926 Hz |
| Db | 277.183 Hz | 278.437 Hz | 279.067 Hz |
| F | 349.228 Hz | 347.654 Hz | 348.834 Hz |
| Ab | 415.305 Hz | 417.657 Hz | 418.601 Hz |
Scales Containing the Bb Minor Seventh Chord
These scales include the Bb Minor Seventh Chord as a diatonic or characteristic chord: