Interval reference
Minor seventh
7 letter names · 10 semitones · C → B♭
A minor seventh spans 7 letter names and 10 semitones. Both halves of that description matter: the number comes from the letters, the quality from the exact size.
Starting on C, a minor seventh reaches B♭. Its shorthand is m7, and traditionally it counts as dissonance.
How big it is
Turned upside down
Move the lower note up an octave and a minor seventh becomes a major second. The two numbers add up to nine, and the quality flips — major with minor, augmented with diminished, while perfect stays perfect.
Where you meet it
- The seventh of a dominant seventh chord
- The seventh of a minor seventh chord
From every starting note
| From | Up a minor seventh |
|---|---|
| C | B♭ |
| C♯ | B |
| D | C |
| D♯ | C♯ |
| E | D |
| F | E♭ |
| F♯ | E |
| G | F |
| G♯ | F♯ |
| A | G |
| A♯ | G♯ |
| B | A |