Chord Shapes

Minor Major 7th Flat 5

Intervals: 1-b3-b5-7. A variant of the mMaj7 chord where the 5th is flattened, adding extra instability and a somewhat hollow timbre. It fits naturally within certain melodic minor contexts and cinematic writing where a dark tonic minor with a bright leading 7th is desired, but a perfect 5th would feel too solid. Typically used as a passing tonic colour or as part of a descending chromatic line in arrangements, it suggests a minor centre that is still in flux rather than fully settled.