Minor Seventh Chord

The Minor Seventh Chord is a minor triad to which a minor seventh is added. The notes are: root, minor third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh. Its sound is 'melancholic', 'soft', and 'relaxed', and unlike the minor seventh of the Dominant 7, it does not have a strong resolving tension. It is extremely common in jazz, soul music, and R&B, where it functions as a tonic chord (i degree) in minor keys or, more frequently, as a subdominant chord (ii degree) or minor chord on the third or sixth degree in major keys (iii7, vi7). It is considered a 'stable' chord within a jazz context, and is an essential component of the ii-V-I progression, providing the basis for subsequent tension and resolution.

Common Progressions

• ii7 - V7 - Imaj7 (the most common and fundamental jazz progression, where the ii7 serves as harmonic preparation for the V7, leading to the Imaj7)
• i7 - iv7 - v7 (the basic progression in a minor key, with the addition of sevenths for a fuller and smoother sound)
• Imaj7 - iii7 - vi7 - ii7 - V7 - Imaj7 (an extended and complex progression where ii7, iii7, and vi7 are all minor seventh chords, creating a rich harmonic fabric)
• Very present in minor blues progressions, giving an authentic and deep feeling.