Eb Major Scale
The E flat major scale runs E flat, F, G, A flat, B flat, C, D and back to E flat. Its key signature has three flats. G-A flat and D-E flat are the two half-step pairs that complete the major pattern.
- Notes: E flat-F-G-A flat-B flat-C-D
- Key signature: three flats
- Relative minor: C minor
Which piano keys do you play?
Begin on the black key between D and E. Then play F, G, A flat, B flat, C, D and the next E flat. You will use three black keys: E flat, A flat and B flat.
The interval from G to A flat is a half step, as is D to E flat. A to B flat would be a half step too, but A natural is not in this scale: the actual move A flat-B flat is a whole step. Read the spelled notes before guessing from how many black keys you see.
Why three flats?
The E flat major key signature marks B flat, E flat and A flat. B flat major has B flat and E flat but uses A natural. Lowering A to A flat adds the third flat and moves one step counterclockwise around the circle of fifths.
A key signature gives the normal notes of the key. A piece can still use A natural as a chromatic note when the score marks it.
Which chords are built from these notes?
E flat-G-B flat is E flat major. B flat-D-F is B flat major, and A flat-C-E flat is A flat major. The seven triads are E flat, Fm, Gm, A flat, B flat, Cm and D diminished.
Play E flat-A flat-B flat-E flat. Then change the opening E-flat chord to C-E flat-G, a C-minor chord, and follow with A flat-B flat-E flat. The notes remain within the E-flat-major collection, but the opening shifts the weight of the phrase. For the chord-building rule, see Diatonic Chords.
How does C minor use the same notes?
C natural minor is C-D-E flat-F-G-A flat-B flat. Its scale starts and ends on C. Play C-E flat-G-C over a C bass after hearing E flat-G-B flat-E flat over E flat. The shared key signature is a clue, while the resting chord tells you which note feels central.