Eb Chinese scale

A pentatonic scale, 1–3–#4–5–7, with a major 3rd and augmented 4th; a bright sound with Lydian tension.

Octaves

Musical context

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

Theory

General info

Name
Eb Chinese scale
Family
Pentatonic scales
Note count
5
Step formula
4 – W – H – 4 – H
Numeric formula
0-4-2-1-4-1

Notes & degrees

1Ebroot
3Gmajor 3rd
#4Aaug 4th
5Bbperfect 5th
7Dmajor 7th

Construction

Overview
A pentatonic scale, 1–3–#4–5–7, with a major 3rd and augmented 4th; a bright sound with Lydian tension.
Application in music
The major 3rd establishes a major tonic, while the augmented 4th creates Lydian tension toward the perfect 5th.
Interval formula
Eb
2W
G
W
A
H
Bb
2W
D

Tensions & resolutions

Stable degrees

IEbpoint of resttonic
VBbsupports the tonic sonorityfifth

Typical resolutions & tensions

VIIDD
IEbEb
In typical voice leading, the leading tone rises by semitone to tonic.

This scale on guitar 🎸

See how Eb Chinese scale looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

The major key on the same tonic and its neighbouring keys on the circle of fifths.

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

Connections

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

Open Trainer

Frequently Asked Questions