Eb13b5b9

Q: What notes are in the Eb13b5b9 chord?

The Eb13b5b9 chord (Eb 13b5b9) contains: Eb, G, A, Db, Fb, C. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Eb13b5b9 on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is Eb13b5b9 found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for Eb13b5b9?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

Eb 13b5b9

Octaves

Musical context

ChordEb majorTriad

ChordEb13b5b9Eb 13b5b9

ArpeggioEb majorBroken triad

ScaleEb major7 notes

KeyEb majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: Eb 13b5b9
Symbol: Eb13b5b9
Root: Eb
Quality: 13b5b9

Chord notes

1Ebroot

3Gmajor 3rd

b5Adim 5th

b7Dbminor 7th

b2Fbminor 2nd

6Cmajor 6th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: AbAb Major BbBb Major CmC Minor
Unstable degrees: 4Ab
b5A
resolves inward to the 4th
4Ab
b7Db
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution: Eb13b5b9source
BbBb Major
Major chord Eb is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions: Eb13b5b9source
Deceptive resolution
CmC Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Eb13b5b9source
Modal resolution
DbDb Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Eb13b5b9source
Jazz reharmonization
Ebmaj7Eb Major 7
In jazz, a major chord is enriched to maj7, 6/9, or add9 and can smoothly transition into a ii-V of another key (modulation).
Eb13b5b9source
Functional resolution
BbBb Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Substitutions

Tritone substitution: A7A Dominant 7

Features

Character: Dominant, with b5, b9 and 13th
Characteristic interval: Diminished 5th (b5), Minor 9th (b9), 13th
Description: The diminished 5th and minor 9th alter the dominant chord, while the major 13th extends it. Semitone tendencies from b5 and b9 create dense, directed tension.
Application: Avant-garde jazz
Complex cadences
Improvising over altered scales

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1Eb(Eb4)Bass

root

v2G(G4)M3from Eb

v3A(A4)M2from G

v4Db(Db5)M3from A

v5Fb(Fb5)m3from Db

v6C(C6)m6from Fb

Harmony

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.

ScaleC# Hungarian minor ScaleG# Double harmonic ScaleG# Byzantine ScaleC Diminished (half–whole)ScaleC# Diminished scale ScaleD# Diminished (half–whole)ScaleE Diminished scale ScaleE Bebop melodic minor ScaleG Diminished scale ScaleA Diminished (half–whole)

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Eb13b5b9 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: CmC minor
Dominant: BbBb major
Subdominant: AbAb major
Key signature: 3 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab)

What to learn next

ScaleEb Chromatic scaleScale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

Eb Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

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Test yourself

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What notes are in the Eb13b5b9 chord?

How do I build Eb13b5b9 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Eb13b5b9 found in?

What can I substitute for Eb13b5b9?