A Minor 7th

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About

The A minor 7th (A–C–E–G) combines a minor triad with a minor seventh. The G softens the minor triad, giving m7 a more open, fluid sound than a plain minor chord. The C and G are the two essential tones — together they define both the minor quality and the seventh extension; the 5th can be dropped. In jazz, m7 is the standard ii in major ii–V–I progressions (Am7 → D7 → GMaj7) and a common tonic color in modal contexts. In funk and soul, it provides warmth without the tension of a dominant chord. Compared to Am, m7 is less tense and more harmonically relaxed; compared to Am9, less ornamental.

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