Ebmaj11

Eb Major 11

Octaves

Musical context

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

Theory

General info

Full name
Eb Major 11
Symbol
Ebmaj11
Root
Eb
Quality
Major 11

Chord notes

1Ebroot
3Gmajor 3rd
5Bbperfect 5th
7Dmajor 7th
2Fmajor 2nd
4Abperfect 4th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key
ITonic (I)Eb major
Stability / tension
Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions
Unstable degrees
7D
1Eb
resolves up to the root
Main resolution
Ebmaj11source
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
Ebmaj11source
Deceptive resolution
CmC Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Ebmaj11source
Modal resolution
DbDb Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Ebmaj11source
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).
Ebmaj11source
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 major 7th and 11th
Characteristic interval
Major 7th (M7), 11th
Description
The major 7th and 11th extend the major triad; the 3rd and 11th form a semitone dissonance.
Application
  • Neo-soul, modern jazz
  • Pads and sustained textures
  • Pop ballads with chord extensions

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1Eb(Eb4)Bass
root
v2G(G4)M3from Eb
v3Bb(Bb4)m3from G
v4D(D5)M3from Bb
v5F(F5)m3from D
v6Ab(Ab5)m3from F

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Ebmaj11 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmEbmajor
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
3 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab)

Practice

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Frequently Asked Questions