Eb7b13

Q: What notes are in the Eb7b13 chord?

The Eb7b13 chord (Eb 7b13) contains: Eb, G, Bb, Db, Cb. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Eb7b13 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 Eb7b13 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 Eb7b13?

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 7b13

Octaves

Musical context

ChordEb majorTriad

ChordEb7b13Eb 7b13

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 7b13
Symbol: Eb7b13
Root: Eb
Quality: 7b13

Chord notes

1Ebroot

3Gmajor 3rd

5Bbperfect 5th

b7Dbminor 7th

b6Cbminor 6th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: VDominant (V)Ab major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: AbAb Major BbBb Major CmC Minor
Unstable degrees: 4Ab
b7Db
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution: Eb7b13source
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: Eb7b13source
Deceptive resolution
CmC Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Eb7b13source
Modal resolution
DbDb Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Eb7b13source
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).
Eb7b13source
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 a lowered 13th
Characteristic interval: Minor 7th (b7), Minor 13th (b13)
Description: The major 3rd and minor 7th preserve dominant function, while b13 lies a semitone above the perfect 5th and permits semitone resolution.
Application: V7b13–i in minor
Altered dominant
Chromatic voice leading

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1Eb(Eb4)Bass

root

v2G(G4)M3from Eb

v3Bb(Bb4)m3from G

v4Db(Db5)m3from Bb

v5Cb(Cb5)m7from Db

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC# Romanian minor ScaleC# Ukrainian Dorian ScaleD# Phrygian dominant ScaleD# Mixolydian ♭6 ScaleG Altered (super Locrian)ScaleA# Neapolitan major ScaleB Lydian augmented ScaleB Harmonic major ScaleG# Harmonic minor ScaleG# Melodic minor

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Eb7b13 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

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What notes are in the Eb7b13 chord?

How do I build Eb7b13 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Eb7b13 found in?

What can I substitute for Eb7b13?