Eb6

Q: What notes are in the Eb6 chord?

The Eb6 chord (Eb 6th) contains: Eb, G, Bb, C. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Eb6 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 Eb6 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 Eb6?

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 6th

Octaves

Musical context

ChordEb majorTriad

ChordEb6Eb 6th

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 6th
Symbol: Eb6
Root: Eb
Quality: 6th

Chord notes

1Ebroot

3Gmajor 3rd

5Bbperfect 5th

6Cmajor 6th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: ITonic (I)Eb major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: AbAb Major BbBb Major CmC Minor
Main resolution: Eb6source
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: Eb6source
Deceptive resolution
CmC Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Eb6source
Modal resolution
DbDb Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Eb6source
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).
Eb6source
Functional resolution
BbBb Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character: Major, with a major 6th and no 7th
Characteristic interval: Major 6th (M6)
Description: The major 6th extends a major triad without seventh-chord dissonance. The chord retains clear major quality and may serve a tonic function.
Application: Tonic chord in jazz and popular music
Endings on I6
5–6 voice leading

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1Eb(Eb4)Bass

root

v2G(G4)M3from Eb

v3Bb(Bb4)m3from G

v4C(C5)M2from Bb

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC Minor pentatonic ScaleD# Major pentatonic ScaleA# Yo (Japanese)ScaleC Blues scale ScaleC Dorian ScaleC Phrygian ScaleC Aeolian (natural minor)ScaleC Romanian minor ScaleC Ukrainian Dorian ScaleD# Ionian (major)

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Eb6 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 Ionian (major)Scale to improvise over this chord ChordEb MajorA nearby chord on the same root — compare the sound PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions ChordEb Major 7Another related chord to practise

Recommended for you

Eb MajorA chord that sounds close

Eb Major 7A chord that sounds close

Eb Minor 6A chord that sounds close

Eb Ionian (major)A scale related to this chord

Eb LydianA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

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

Open Trainer

Test yourself

(Press any key to start)

What notes are in the Eb6 chord?

How do I build Eb6 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Eb6 found in?

What can I substitute for Eb6?

Eb6