Ebm7b5 Chord (Eb half-diminished) on Guitar
Ebm7b5 (Eb half-diminished (minor 7 flat 5)) is made of the notes Eb – Gb – Bbb – Db. The easiest guitar fingering is xx1222 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs 4 fingers and no barre.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play Ebm7b5
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 1 (Eb).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 2 (Bbb).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2 (Db).
- Press the 1st string (high e) at fret 2 (Gb).
- 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) | 2 | Bbb | b5 |
| 2nd string (B) | 2 | Db | b7 |
| 1st string (high e) | 2 | Gb | b3 |
What is a Eb half-diminished (minor 7 flat 5) chord?
A half-diminished (minor 7 flat 5) chord is a diminished triad with a minor seventh. It is the seventh-degree chord of a major scale.
Notes and formula. Ebm7b5 contains Eb, Gb, Bbb, Db. Counted from the root Eb, that is R (root), b3 (minor 3rd), b5 (diminished 5th), b7 (minor 7th). It is also written D#m7b5; the two names sound identical and the name used depends on the key of the song.
Sound. Moody and sophisticated, less harsh than a fully diminished chord.
Where it is used. Used constantly in jazz as the ii chord of a minor ii-V-i progression, and in many ballads.
Tips for playing Ebm7b5
It often shares its shape with a minor 6th chord. Learn them as pairs.
Common mistake: Calling it a diminished chord. A fully diminished 7th has a diminished (double-flat) seventh instead.
Keys that contain Ebm7b5
Ebm7b5 is a diatonic chord, meaning it occurs naturally without accidentals, in these keys:
Try it in a progression: browse chord progressions for every key.
Related chords
Ebm7b5 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Ebm7b5 chord?
Ebm7b5 (Eb half-diminished (minor 7 flat 5)) contains the notes Eb, Gb, Bbb, Db. The formula is R–b3–b5–b7 relative to the root Eb.
How do you play Ebm7b5 on guitar?
The most common shape for Ebm7b5 is xx1222, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs 4 fingers and no barre.
Is Ebm7b5 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It needs 4 fingers and no barre.
Is Ebm7b5 the same as D#m7b5?
Yes. Eb and D# are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so Ebm7b5 and D#m7b5 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
Which keys contain Ebm7b5?
Ebm7b5 is a diatonic chord in E major (vii°), C# minor (ii°).
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