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Ebmaj7 Chord

Ebmaj7 adds D, a major seventh, to the E flat major triad. The seventh sits a semitone below the root above it, giving a settled chord a close, unresolved edge.

  • Notes: E flat-G-B flat-D
  • Symbol: Ebmaj7
  • Imaj7 in Eb major
  • Major seventh
Switch chordEbmaj7

How to play an Ebmaj7 chord

Notes: Eb - G - Bb - D · symbol Ebmaj7

  • Root position

    Eb - G - Bb - D
    C4C5
    Right hand 1-2-3-5 · Left 5-3-2-1

  • 1st inversion

    G - Bb - D - Eb
    C4C5
    Right hand 1-2-3-5 · Left 5-4-2-1

  • 2nd inversion

    Bb - D - Eb - G
    C4C5
    Right hand 1-2-4-5 · Left 5-3-2-1

  • 3rd inversion

    D - Eb - G - Bb
    C4C5
    Right hand 1-2-4-5 · Left 5-3-2-1

Where does Ebmaj7 belong?

All four notes come from the E flat major scale, where Ebmaj7 can be the home chord.
Play the role cards to hear how its surrounding chords change the job it does; Diatonic Chords explains the basic numbered roles.

  • In Eb majorHome, jazz style
    Imaj7

    The end point of a ii-V-I in Eb: a resting chord with a soft glow.

    Fm7ii7Bb7V7Ebmaj7Imaj7
  • In Bb majorA dreamy step away
    IVmaj7

    Swaying between Bbmaj7 and this chord is a staple of soul and bossa nova.

    Bbmaj7Imaj7Ebmaj7IVmaj7
  • In G minorMinor-key color
    bVImaj7

    In G minor it brings in warmth before the music turns back home.

    GmiEbmaj7bVImaj7FbVIIGmi

Progressions to try

  • Fm7Bb7Ebmaj7

    Ebmaj7 is the Imaj7 arrival at the end of a ii-V-I in Eb major.

  • Bbmaj7Ebmaj7

    Here Ebmaj7 is IVmaj7: a step away from the home chord rather than a final cadence.

  • GmEbmaj7FGm

    In G minor, Ebmaj7 colors the bVI degree before the phrase returns to minor.

Which shape should you use?

On guitar, start with x65333, a barre at the 3rd fret. Press the barred notes evenly and mute any strings marked x. The x68786 shape gives you another position when the neighboring chords sit elsewhere on the neck.

On ukulele, start with 3335, played at the 3rd fret. The 7766 grip moves the chord to another register.

On piano, play E flat-G-B flat-D. Move E flat up an octave to reach the first inversion, G-B flat-D-E flat; the notes remain the same while the lowest voice changes.

What are the inversions?

E flat is the root, G the major third, B flat the fifth and D the major seventh, eleven semitones above the root.

  • Root position: E flat-G-B flat-D, with E flat lowest.
  • First inversion: G-B flat-D-E flat, written Ebmaj7/G if G is lowest in the whole arrangement.
  • Second inversion: B flat-D-E flat-G, written Ebmaj7/Bb if B flat is lowest in the whole arrangement.
  • Third inversion: D-E flat-G-B flat, written Ebmaj7/D if D is lowest in the whole arrangement.

A slash chord names the note in the bass, not merely the lowest note under one hand. Chord Inversions shows how to read that distinction.

How does Ebmaj7 differ from Eb7?

Keep the major triad and lower D to D flat. That makes Eb7, the dominant-seventh version; the changed seventh is the difference to hear. Try that one-note change on piano, then use the comparer to hear it in the full chord. See Eb7 for the other chord's full spelling and roles.

  • Ebmaj7

    Eb - G - Bb - D
    C4C5

    Eb major 7

  • Eb7

    Eb - G - Bb - Db
    C4C5

    Eb dominant 7

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