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Minor 7th Chords on Piano

The minor 7th chord is one of the most versatile chords in music — a minor triad with an added minor seventh that creates a smooth, dark, and sophisticated sound. It is ubiquitous in jazz, R&B, neo-soul, lo-fi, and pop.

Formula: Root – Minor 3rd – Perfect 5th – Minor 7th
Intervals: 3 + 4 + 3 semitones (from root)
Scale degrees: 1–♭3–5–♭7
Sound: Smooth, dark, sophisticated, mellow
Symbol: m7 or min7 (Cm7, Dm7 etc.)

Where minor 7ths appear: In major key harmony, minor 7th chords appear on the ii, iii, and vi degrees. The ii–V–I (e.g. Dm7–G7–Cmaj7) is the most important progression in jazz, and it starts with a minor 7th. Dorian mode improvisation is built over minor 7th chords.

Minor 7th Chord in All 18 Keys

Select any key to see notes, inversions, fingering, and practice tips.