Keys: chords and scales

Chords in the key of E flat major

The key of E flat major has 3 flats in the key signature (B♭, E♭, A♭). Its scale is E♭ – F – G – A♭ – B♭ – C – D and its seven chords are E♭, Fm, Gm, A♭, B♭, Cm and Ddim. Its relative key is C minor.

The chords in the key

Each note of the scale builds a chord. The four-note versions add the seventh.

DegreeChordNotesRoleWith seventh
I E♭ E♭ – G – B♭ Tonic: home E♭maj7
ii Fm F – A♭ – C Subdominant Fm7
iii Gm G – B♭ – D Tonic substitute Gm7
IV A♭ A♭ – C – E♭ Subdominant A♭maj7
V B♭ B♭ – D – F Dominant: tension B♭7
vi Cm C – E♭ – G Relative tonic Cm7
vii° Ddim D – F – A♭ Dominant (leading tone) —

Scale

E♭ – F – G – A♭ – B♭ – C – D

With a capo

To make a song sound in E flat major with easy open shapes:

  • Capo on fret 1: play the shapes of D major
  • Capo on fret 3: play the shapes of C major
  • Capo on fret 6: play the shapes of A major

Frequently asked questions

What chords are in the key of E flat major?

Its seven chords are E♭, Fm, Gm, A♭, B♭, Cm and Ddim.

How many sharps or flats does E flat major have?

It has 3 flats in the key signature (B♭, E♭, A♭).

What is the relative key of E flat major?

Its relative key is C minor: they share the same notes and chords.

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