Bb Minor Seventh Chord

Chord Tones: Bb Minor Seventh Chord

Symbol: m7, min7, -7 — Formula: 1-♭3-5-♭7

DegreeNoteFrequency (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 TypeSymbol / Value
Lead Sheet SymbolBbm7
All Common Symbolsm7, min7, -7
Interval Formula1-♭3-5-♭7
Harmonic Categorymildly 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

InversionNotes (low to high)Bass NoteSlash 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):

Songs Featuring the Minor Seventh Chord

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

Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments

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

NoteEqual Temp.PythagoreanJust 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: