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Eb6 Chord

Eb6 keeps the E flat major triad and adds C, its sixth. It can finish a phrase with more color than the plain triad without becoming a seventh chord.

  • Notes: E flat-G-B flat-C
  • Symbol: Eb6
  • I6 in Eb major
  • Added sixth
Switch chordEb6

How to play an Eb6 chord

Notes: Eb - G - Bb - C · symbol Eb6

  • Root position

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

  • 1st inversion

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

  • 2nd inversion

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

  • 3rd inversion

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

Where does Eb6 belong?

The extra sixth belongs to the major scale and colors the chord without changing its major third.
Play the role cards to hear how its surrounding chords change the job it does; Diatonic Chords explains the basic numbered roles.

  • In Eb majorSoft home
    I6

    A home chord with the sixth added: finished, but less plain than a triad.

    AbIVBbVEb6I6
  • In Bb majorWarm step away
    IV6

    The IV of Bb major with a sixth for extra warmth.

    BbIEb6IV6FVBbI

Progressions to try

  • AbBbEb6

    After the approach chords, Eb6 lands on the tonic with an added sixth rather than a plain triad.

  • BbEb6FBb

    The IV chord carries the sixth here; compare it with the unextended chords around it.

Which shape should you use?

On guitar, start with xx1313, played at the 1st fret. Mute any strings marked x. The x65586 shape gives you another position when the neighboring chords sit elsewhere on the neck.

On ukulele, the open shape 0333 is the easiest place to start. The 3333 grip moves the chord to another register.

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

What are the inversions?

E flat, G and B flat make the major triad; C adds the sixth.

  • Root position: E flat-G-B flat-C, with E flat lowest.
  • First inversion: G-B flat-C-E flat, written Eb6/G if G is lowest in the whole arrangement.
  • Second inversion: B flat-C-E flat-G, written Eb6/Bb if B flat is lowest in the whole arrangement.
  • Third inversion: C-E flat-G-B flat, written Eb6/C if C 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 Eb6 differ from Eb?

Remove only C and Eb6 becomes Eb. The major third stays, so this is an added note, not a replacement. Try that one-note change on piano, then use the comparer to hear it in the full chord. See Eb for the other chord's full spelling and roles.

  • Eb6

    Eb - G - Bb - C
    C4C5

    Eb major 6

  • Eb

    Eb - G - Bb
    C4C5

    Eb major

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