Eb7 Chord (Eb dominant 7th) on Guitar
Eb7 (Eb dominant 7th) is made of the notes Eb – G – Bb – Db. The easiest guitar fingering is xx1023 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play Eb7
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 1 (Eb).
- Play the 3rd string (G) open (G).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2 (Db).
- Press the 1st string (high e) at fret 3 (G).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
- Do not play the 5th string (A).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | x (mute) | - | |
| 4th string (D) | 1 | Eb | R |
| 3rd string (G) | 0 (open) | G | 3 |
| 2nd string (B) | 2 | Db | b7 |
| 1st string (high e) | 3 | G | 3 |
What is a Eb dominant 7th chord?
A dominant 7th chord adds a minor seventh to a major triad. It is the chord that naturally sits on the fifth degree of a major key.
Notes and formula. Eb7 contains Eb, G, Bb, Db. Counted from the root Eb, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), b7 (minor 7th). It is also written D#7; the two names sound identical and the name used depends on the key of the song.
Sound. Bluesy and unresolved. It pulls strongly toward the chord a fourth above, which is why it feels like "the next chord is coming".
Where it is used. Dominant 7ths are the backbone of blues (every chord in a 12-bar blues can be a 7th), plus rock and roll, funk, jazz and country turnarounds.
Tips for playing Eb7
Most dominant 7th shapes are an open or barre major chord with one finger lifted or moved. Practise changing between the major and the 7th to hear the change.
Common mistake: Confusing the 7th with the major 7th. The dominant 7th is bluesy; the major 7th is smooth and dreamy.
Keys that contain Eb7
Eb7 is a diatonic chord, meaning it occurs naturally without accidentals, in these keys:
Try it in a progression: browse chord progressions for every key.
Scales to play over Eb7
Related chords
Eb7 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Eb7 chord?
Eb7 (Eb dominant 7th) contains the notes Eb, G, Bb, Db. The formula is R–3–5–b7 relative to the root Eb.
How do you play Eb7 on guitar?
The most common shape for Eb7 is xx1023, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is Eb7 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated beginner. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is Eb7 the same as D#7?
Yes. Eb and D# are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so Eb7 and D#7 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
Which keys contain Eb7?
Eb7 is a diatonic chord in Ab major (V), F minor (VII).
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