Ab Minor Triad
Chord Tones: Ab Minor Triad
Symbol: m, min, - — Formula: 1-♭3-5
| Degree | Note | Frequency (A=440, Equal) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ab | 415.305 Hz |
| ♭3 | B | 493.883 Hz |
| 5 | Eb | 311.127 Hz |
Chord Notation
| Notation Type | Symbol / Value |
|---|---|
| Lead Sheet Symbol | Abm |
| All Common Symbols | m, min, - |
| Interval Formula | 1-♭3-5 |
| Harmonic Category | consonant |
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 | Ab – B – Eb | Ab | Ab Minor Triad |
| First Inversion | B – Eb – Ab | B | Ab Minor Triad/B |
| Second Inversion | Eb – Ab – B | Eb | Ab Minor Triad/Eb |
Harmonic Function
The Ab minor 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 triad has a dark, introspective sound created by the flat third degree. It is the foundation of minor key harmony and widely used across all genres of music.
Common Progressions
The Ab Minor Triad frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):
i-iv-v-iii-V-I
Songs Featuring the Minor Triad
Well-known songs where the Ab Minor Triad — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:
- Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin
- Nothing Else Matters – Metallica
- Losing My Religion – R.E.M.
Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments
Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.
| Note | Equal Temp. | Pythagorean | Just Intonation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ab | 415.305 Hz | 417.657 Hz | 418.601 Hz |
| B | 493.883 Hz | 495.000 Hz | 490.548 Hz |
| Eb | 311.127 Hz | 309.026 Hz | 313.951 Hz |
Scales Containing the Ab Minor Triad
These scales include the Ab Minor Triad as a diatonic or characteristic chord: