AbmMaj7 Piano Chord

Piano Diagram of AbmMaj7 in Root Position

The AbmMaj7 chord is a minor chord rooted in the key of Ab, consisting of the notes Ab, Cb, Eb, and G. The main feature of this chord is the inclusion of a major 7th interval on a minor chord. Additionally, the presence of an augmented fifth between the minor 3rd and major 7th creates a sense of dissonance. In this article, we will delve into the music theory of the AbmMaj7 chord and its role within chord progressions.

 

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Finger Position

 

AbmMaj7 Chord Inversions

 

The AbmMaj7 chord has a total of 3 inversions:

Piano Keyboard Diagrams

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Music Theory and Harmony of AbmMaj7

 

Building the AbmMaj7 Chord: Different Approaches

Starting from the Ab Major Scale

An Ab minor major 7th chord is formed by taking the root note Ab, adding a minor 3rd interval Cb (B), a perfect 5th interval (Eb), and finally a major 7th interval (G). Although these intervals are typically derived from a minor scale, for educational purposes, it is often more intuitive to explain their construction using a major scale.

For example, to build an AbmMaj7 chord, you can start with the Ab Major scale:

 

 

 

To create an AbmMaj7 chord, apply the formula R, m3, 5, 7 in the following manner:

1. Begin with the Root note, which is Ab.
2. Select the minor 3rd interval, Cb (B).
3. Include the 5th note, Eb.
4. Finally, add the major 7th interval (G), which is the 7th note of the scale.

By following this simple formula, you can create a minor major 7th chord from any major scale.

 

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by Combining Intervals

Another way to form a minor major 7th chord is by combining specific intervals – a minor 3rd, a major 3rd, and another major 3rd.

m3 + 3 + 3 = minor Major 7th chords

If we observe the intervals between the notes, we can notice that:

• Ab-Cb (B) creates a minor 3rd interval,
• Cb-Eb forms a major 3rd interval,
• and Eb-G is another major 3rd interval.

By stacking these three intervals together, we can build the AbmMaj7 chord.

 

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How to Use AbmMaj7 in a Chord Progression

 

The AbmMaj7 chord is characterized by the presence of a major 7th interval, which is not found in either the natural minor or major scales. It’s diatonic in other scales like the harmonic and melodic minor scale, which features a minor major seventh chord on their first degree.

Typically, the AbmMaj7 chord is used as a passing chord, temporarily transitioning towards a more stable Abm7. Additionally, it can serve as an ending chord in specific musical contexts. This is because the chord produces a mysterious and intriguing atmosphere, making it suitable for certain musical styles and compositions.

Non-diatonic positions in Natural minor and Major Scales

The major seventh interval of the AbmMaj7 chord, which is G, clashes with the Gb note present in both natural minor and major scales. For this reason, the AbmMaj7 chord is not commonly used as a standalone chord (except in endings).

The AbmMaj7 chord is commonly used:

• on the first and fourth degree of minor scales or
• on the second and on the sixth degree of major scales,
• as part of a chromatic progression towards a minor 7th chord.
• While less common, it can still be used on the fifth degree of both minor and major scales.

Here are the tables of the major and natural minor scales that include the Ab minor 7th, which can be complemented by an AbmMaj7 chord, however, since Abm7 occurs frequently in theoretical keys, we often refer to its enharmonic equivalent keys.

 

on Natural minor Scales

Non diatonic passing chord to the:

• Tonic chord in Ab minor
• Subdominant chord in Eb minor
• Dominant chord in C# minor (less common) as G#mMaj7

 

on Major Scales

Non diatonic passing chord to the:

• Supertonic chord in Gb Major
• Mediant chord in E Major as G#mMaj7
• Submediant chord in B Major as G#mMaj7

 

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AbmMaj7 Function in Major and minor Keys

The chord AbmMaj7 does not serve a functional role in harmonic progressions within major and minor keys as it is not diatonic. Rather, it should be considered as a color to add in certain contexts where modulation to an Abm7 chord is feasible or appropriate.

 

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AbmMaj7 as Passing Chord in Ab minor

In the key of Ab minor, the AbmMaj7 serves as a passing chord to the Tonic chord, Abm7. The chord’s major 7th note, G, clashes with the Gb note found in the Ab minor scale, creating a tension that needs to be resolved. This can be achieved by transitioning the chord to a more stable Abm7 chord, which typically occurs within the same measure as the AbmMaj7 chord.

Alternatively, the AbmMaj7 chord can be left alone as an ending chord, but it’s too dissonant to be played for a whole measure within a chord progression.

Abm(Maj7) as Passing Chord on the i degree

The following chord progressions are examples of how the Ab minor major 7th chord can serve as a passing chord towards the tonic chord (Abm7).

 

Chromatic modulation

 

i VI VII III

 

i iv VI VII

 

Circle Progression

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AbmMaj7 as Passing Chord in Eb minor

The AbmMaj7 chord can be used as a passing chord in the Eb minor scale which has an Ab min7 on the fourth degree.

AbmMaj7 as Passing Chord on the iv degree

The following chord progressions feature an AbmMaj7 chord in modulation to the iv degree in the key of Eb minor:

 

iv III VI VII

 

i iv VI v

 

Circle Progression

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AbmMaj7 as Passing Chord in Db minor

Check G#mMaj7 in C# minor

 

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AbmMaj7 as Passing Chord in Gb Major

In the Gb major scale, the AbmMaj7 chord can also serve as a passing chord on the ii degree.

AbmMaj7 as Passing Chord on the ii degree

 

ii V I

 

Circle Progression

 

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AbmMaj7 as Passing Chord in Fb Major

Check G#mMaj7 in E Major

 

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AbmMaj7 as Passing Chord in Cb Major

Check G#mMaj7 in B Major

 

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Alternative Names for AbmMaj7

• Ab mΔ
• Ab mM
• Ab m7+
• Ab mΔ7
• Ab m(Δ)
• Ab mM7
• Ab minΔ
• Ab m(+7)
• Ab m(Δ7)
• Ab minΔ7
• Ab minorΔ
• Ab m(maj7)
• Ab m(Maj7)
• Ab minMaj7
• Ab min maj7
• Ab m(Maj7th)
• Ab minor major 7th
• Ab minor major seventh

 

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