F Minor Seventh Chord

Chord Tones: F Minor Seventh Chord

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

DegreeNoteFrequency (A=440, Equal)
1 F 349.228 Hz
♭3 Ab 415.305 Hz
5 C 261.626 Hz
♭7 Eb 311.127 Hz

Chord Notation

Notation TypeSymbol / Value
Lead Sheet SymbolFm7
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 F Ab C Eb F F Minor Seventh Chord
First Inversion Ab C Eb F Ab F Minor Seventh Chord/Ab
Second Inversion C Eb F Ab C F Minor Seventh Chord/C
Third Inversion Eb F Ab C Eb F Minor Seventh Chord/Eb

Harmonic Function

The F minor seventh chord commonly functions as the subdominant (IV) in C major — plagal cadence endpoint. 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 F 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 F 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
F 349.228 Hz 347.654 Hz 348.834 Hz
Ab 415.305 Hz 417.657 Hz 418.601 Hz
C 261.626 Hz 260.740 Hz 261.626 Hz
Eb 311.127 Hz 309.026 Hz 313.951 Hz

Scales Containing the F Minor Seventh Chord

These scales include the F Minor Seventh Chord as a diatonic or characteristic chord: