Ebmaj13

Eb Major 13

Octaves

Musical context

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

Theory

General info

Full name
Eb Major 13
Symbol
Ebmaj13
Root
Eb
Quality
Major 13

Chord notes

1Ebroot
3Gmajor 3rd
5Bbperfect 5th
7Dmajor 7th
2Fmajor 2nd
6Cmajor 6th

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
Ebmaj13source
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
Ebmaj13source
Deceptive resolution
CmC Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Ebmaj13source
Modal resolution
DbDb Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Ebmaj13source
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).
Ebmaj13source
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 13th
Characteristic interval
Major 7th (M7), 13th
Description
The major 7th and 13th extend the major triad into a seven-note harmonic structure.
Application
  • Final jazz cadences
  • Orchestral arrangements
  • Modern pop and neo-soul

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1Eb(Eb4)Bass
root
v2G(G4)M3from Eb
v3Bb(Bb4)m3from G
v4D(D5)M3from Bb
v5F(F5)m3from D
v6C(C6)P5from F

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Ebmaj13 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