Ebm7

Q: What notes are in the Ebm7 chord?

The Ebm7 chord (Eb Minor 7) contains: Eb, Gb, Bb, Db. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Ebm7 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 Ebm7 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 Ebm7?

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 Minor 7

Octaves

Musical context

ChordEb minorTriad

ChordEbm7Eb Minor 7

ArpeggioEb minorBroken triad

ScaleEb minor7 notes

KeyEb minorMinor key

ProgressionAndalusianSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: Eb Minor 7
Symbol: Ebm7
Root: Eb
Quality: Minor 7

Chord notes

1Ebroot

b3Gbminor 3rd

5Bbperfect 5th

b7Dbminor 7th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: iiSubdominant (ii)C# major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as minor tonic
Most common resolutions: BbBb Major AbmAb Minor DbDb Major
Unstable degrees: 4Ab
b7Db
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution: Ebm7source
BbBb Major
Minor chord Ebm is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).
Other resolutions: Ebm7source
Deceptive resolution
BB Major
A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.
Ebm7source
Modal resolution
DbDb Major
In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.
Ebm7source
Jazz reharmonization
Ab7Ab Dominant 7
In jazz, a minor chord often serves as ii in a ii-V-I progression. Its "resolution" is the dominant a 4th up.
Ebm7source
Functional resolution
AbAb Major
As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Substitutions

Parallel: Ebmaj7Eb Major 7
Relative: F#maj7F# Major 7

Features

Character: Minor, with a minor 7th
Characteristic interval: Minor third (m3), Minor 7th (b7)
Description: The minor 3rd defines the minor quality, while the minor 7th extends the triad without a leading tone.
Application: ii and iii in major
Jazz (ii-V-I), neo-soul
Funk and R&B