Eb Major Chord

E flat and B flat are black keys, with a white G between them. The G makes the major third; G flat gives the parallel minor chord.

E flat is the root and names the chord. G is the major third, four semitones above the root. B flat is the fifth, seven semitones above it. To check the construction from another starting note, use Major Chord.

If the lowest note in the whole arrangement is G, the chord can be written Eb/G. If B flat is lowest, write Eb/Bb. A separate bass instrument may change the actual lowest note even when your right hand plays an inversion. Chord Inversions explains why that distinction matters.

E flat major is the home chord in E flat major. It is also the fourth chord in A flat major and the fifth chord in B flat major. The same three notes can therefore feel like a starting point, a move away, or a lead-in to another chord, depending on the surrounding harmony.

Try Ab-Bb-Eb on a piano and listen to the final Eb. For this simple progression, each symbol names a major chord. Diatonic Chords shows how a key gives chords those numbered roles.

Keep E flat and B flat; lower only G to G flat. The result is E flat-G flat-B flat. That is Eb minor. Alternate the two versions at the same volume. The changed third is more useful to hear than a vague label such as "happy" or "sad."

Find the root, add the major third and fifth, then play the first inversion. Name the key that moved from the bottom to the top. Repeat for the second inversion. The Piano Chords Chart helps you practice the same move from other roots.