Ebmaj7b5

General info

Full name

Eb Major 7b5

Symbol

Ebmaj7b5

Root

Eb

Quality

Major 7b5

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

IVSubdominant (IV)Bb major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as major tonic

Most common resolutions

AbAb MajorBbBb MajorCmC Minor

Unstable degrees

4Ab

b5A

resolves inward to the 4th

7D

1Eb

resolves up to the root

Main resolution

Ebmaj7b5source

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

Ebmaj7b5source

Deceptive resolution

CmC Minor

As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).

Ebmaj7b5source

Modal resolution

DbDb Major

In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.

Ebmaj7b5source

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).

Ebmaj7b5source

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 diminished 5th

Characteristic interval

Diminished 5th (b5), Major 7th (M7)

Description

The major 3rd preserves major quality, while the diminished 5th and major 7th create two directed dissonances.

Application

• Lydian mode
• Contemporary jazz
• Experimental harmony

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

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