Eb7

Q: What notes are in the Eb7 chord?

The Eb7 chord (Eb Dominant 7) contains: Eb, G, Bb, Db. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Eb7 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 Eb7 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 Eb7?

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 Dominant 7

Octaves

Musical context

ChordEb majorTriad

ChordEb7Eb Dominant 7

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 Dominant 7
Symbol: Eb7
Root: Eb
Quality: Dominant 7

Chord notes

1Ebroot

3Gmajor 3rd

5Bbperfect 5th

b7Dbminor 7th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: VDominant (V)Ab major
Stability / tension: High tension — requires resolution
Most common resolutions: AbAb Major FmF Minor
Unstable degrees: 3G
4Ab
resolves up to the resolution tonic
6C
b7Db
resolves down to the tonic 3rd
Main resolution: Eb7source
AbAb Major
Dominant 7th Eb7 naturally resolves up a 4th to Ab. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.
Other resolutions: Eb7source
Deceptive resolution
FmF Minor
Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.
Eb7source
Modal resolution
DbDb Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
Eb7source
Jazz reharmonization
A7A Dominant 7
Tritone substitution: Eb7 can be replaced by A7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.
Eb7source
Functional resolution
Ebsus4Eb Sus4
The dominant can resolve beyond the tonic: moving to IV (subdominant) or to a suspension (sus4) are common alternatives in pop and folk music.

Substitutions

Tritone substitution: A7A Dominant 7

Features

Character: Dominant, tense
Characteristic interval: Dominant 7th (b7)
Description: The minor 7th adds dissonance to a major triad. On scale degree V, the chord’s 3rd and 7th form a tritone that directs the voices toward tonic.
Application: V chord in major (resolves to I)
12-bar blues
Rock, Mixolydian