F Minor Major 7th

Notes:F – Ab – C – E
Formula:R-m3-P5-M7
Intervals:P1-m3-P5-M7
Scale Degrees:1-b3-5-7

Introduction

The F Minor Major 7th piano chord (FmMaj7) consists of the notes F, Ab, C, E. It is a minor triad with an added major 7th, giving it a dark and complex character with strong tension, often used in jazz and minor key progressions. Formula: R-m3-P5-M7 | Scale degrees: 1-b3-5-7.

Notes

Notes:F – Ab – C – E

F Minor Major 7th Inversions

PositionNotes
Root PositionF4 – Ab4 – C5 – E5
1st InversionAb4 – C5 – E5 – F5
2nd InversionC5 – E5 – F5 – Ab5
3rd InversionF4 – Ab4 – C5 – E4

Key Signature

The key of F Minor Major 7th has 4 flats: B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭.

BEAD

Theory: Intervals

Formula: R-m3-P5-M7
Intervals: P1-m3-P5-M7

The F Minor Major 7th is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-m3-P5-M7 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-m3-P5-M7 show the distance between each note in the chord.

F Minor Major 7th — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the F Minor Major 7th chord?

FmMaj7 contains: F, Ab, C, E. Minor triad with major seventh.

How does FmMaj7 differ from Fm7?

FmMaj7 has E (major seventh), Fm7 has Eb (minor seventh).

How is FmMaj7 used in music?

Harmonic minor i chord. Jazz, film noir, classical.

What songs use Minor Major 7th?

James Bond, My Funny Valentine.

Why does it sound tense?

Minor third (Ab) and major seventh (E) create dissonance.

How does FmMaj7 differ from Fmaj7?

FmMaj7 has minor third (Ab). Fmaj7 has major third (A).

Practice Tips

  • Play Fm then add E — dramatic tension.
  • Descending line: Fm → FmMaj7 → Fm7 → Fm6.
  • Compare with Fm7.
  • Harmonic minor i chord.
  • The Ab–E interval creates tension.
  • Jazz and classical applications.