E Minor 7th

Fretboard

About

The E minor 7th (E–G–B–D) combines a minor triad with a minor seventh. The D softens the minor triad, giving m7 a more open, fluid sound than a plain minor chord. The G and D 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 (Em7 → A7 → DMaj7) and a common tonic color in modal contexts. In funk and soul, it provides warmth without the tension of a dominant chord. Compared to Em, m7 is less tense and more harmonically relaxed; compared to Em9, less ornamental.

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