Eb7b9 Piano Chord

Piano Diagram of Eb7b9 in Root Position

An Eb7b9 chord is an altered dominant seventh chord that is built upon the key of Eb. This chord consists of the root Eb, the major third G, the perfect fifth Bb, the minor seventh Db, and the minor ninth Fb. The Eb7b9 chord can be used as a substitute for dominant chords only in specific musical contexts. Keep reading to learn more about the music theory that underpins this chord.

 

How to play an Eb7b9

To play an Eb7b9 chord, you can use the following voicing: start by playing the root note Eb with your left hand. Then, with your right hand, play the notes G (major 3rd), Db (minor 7th), and Fb (E, flat 9th).

Eb + G, Db, Fb

This approach will result in a simplified Eb7b9 chord that includes only the essential notes: the root note, major 3rd, minor 7th, and minor 9th.

 

Eb7b9 Chord Equivalencies

When you remove the root note from a 7b9 chord, it becomes a diminished 7th chord. In the case of an Eb7b9 chord, if you remove the root note Eb, you’re left with the notes G, Bb, Db, and Fb, which are equivalent to a Gdim7 chord.

Eb7b9 without root = Gdim7

G dim7 = Bb dim7 = Db dim7 = E dim7

Diminished 7th chords have a unique quality where each inversion is another diminished 7th chord. So, Gdim7 is enharmonically equivalent to Bbdim7, Dbdim7, and Edim7. Therefore, even if you remove the root note from an Eb7b9 chord, it is still enharmonically equivalent to all of these chords.

Eb7b9 Chord Inversions

 

The Eb7b9 chord has a total of 4 inversions:

 Piano Keyboard Diagrams

Chord Inversions on Piano

Understanding chord inversions is crucial for music theory, as it reveals how chords are constructed. When playing chord inversions on a piano, it’s important to remember that the charts showing the order of notes may not always be playable.

To properly voice chords on a piano, the notes must be spread across various octaves and positions on the keyboard. This often means deviating from the standard shape of the chord’s inversions, as shown in charts. It’s always a good idea to experiment with different voicings and fingerings to find the most efficient and comfortable way to play the chord, while still maintaining its intended harmonic function and sound.

Chord inversion charts can help understand the structure and sequence of notes in a chord, but it’s important to be flexible and adaptable when playing them on the piano. With practice, you can find your own unique voicings and develop a personal style that suits your playing needs.

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Music Theory and Harmony of Eb7b9

 

The Eb7b9 chord can replace or enhance the Eb7 chord, typically on the V degree, but also on the III degree, and occasionally on other degrees as a secondary dominant chord. However, it has a distinct vibe, so it should be used carefully in the appropriate musical context.

Before delving into the most frequent uses of this chord, let’s first understand how to build it.

 

Building the Eb7b9 Chord: Different Approaches

 

Starting from the Eb Major Scale:

To form a 7b9 chord, you combine the root, the major 3rd, the 5th, the minor 7th, and the flat 9th from a major scale.

To build an Eb7b9, you can start with the Eb Major scale:

 

 

To create an Eb7b9 chord, apply the formula R, 3, 5, m7, m9 in the following manner:

1. Begin with the Root note, which is Eb.
2. Select the major 3rd interval, which is G, and add it to the chord.
3. Add the 5th interval, which is Bb.
4. Add the minor 7th interval, Db.
5. Finally, select the 9th F and subtract a half tone to get the minor 9th, E which we call Fb (F flat) in this case.

By following this simple formula, you can create a 7b9 chord from any major scale.

 

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by Combining Intervals:

One method to create a 7b9 chord is by combining specific intervals – a major 3rd, a minor 3rd, and another minor 3rd.

3 + m3 + m3 + m3 = 7b9 chords

For example, to build an Eb7b9 chord:

• we start with the root note Eb.
• We then add a major 3rd interval, which is four half-steps up from the root, to get G.
• Next, we add a minor 3rd interval, which is three half-steps up from G, to get Bb.
• Then, we add another minor 3rd so we find the minor 7th Db
• and lastly, we add a minor 3rd  interval from Db, to get E (Fb).

Together, these intervals form the Eb7b9 chord.

 

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by Combining Chords

Another way to build a 7b9 chord is by combining a major triad with a diminished triad derived from its 5th.

To build an Eb7b9 chord, you can blend an Eb Major triad (Eb, G, Bb) with a Bb diminished chord (Bb, Db, Fb). The Bb note is shared between the two chords.

Eb Major + Bb dim = Eb7b9

 

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How to Use Eb7b9 in a Chord Progression

 

The Eb7b9 can work as a substitute or as a passing chord to an Eb7 that can be found in major and natural minor scales. The 7b9 chord is considered a non-diatonic chord, which means that it contains notes that are not found in either the major or minor scales.

 

Most common uses of Eb7b9

Eb7b9 in Ab Major and Ab minor

The Eb7b9 chord is commonly used as a dominant chord. In the key of Ab major, the Eb7b9 chord can be used as the V7 chord, which leads back to the I chord (Ab major).

• Substitute or Passing Chord to the Dominant chord in Ab Major

 

Eb7b9 as Substitute of Ebm7

The Eb7 chord derived from the harmonic minor scale is commonly used to replace an Ebm7 chord in the key of Ab minor. In some cases, the Eb7b9 chord can also be used instead of the Eb7 chord, further enhancing the harmonic tension and leading to the Abm7 chord.

• Substitute or Passing Chord to the Dominant chord in Ab minor

 

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Eb7b9 in a I – III7 Progression

The Eb7b9 chord is often used as a substitution for the III degree in an I – III7 chord progression, which traditionally features an Eb minor chord. This chord progression, represented by the chords Cb Maj7 and Eb7, can accommodate the Eb7b9 chord in place of the expected Eb minor chord. The Eb7b9 chord provides a dissonant augmented triad that offers a unique flavor to the progression.

However Cb major is a theoretical key so it’s better to refer to its enharmonic equivalent key B major.

• Substitute or Passing Chord to the Mediant chord in B Major as D#7b9

 

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Eb7b9 in F minor

While the Eb7b9 chord can be used in the key of F minor, it may not be the most common use of this chord. In fact, the resolution to F minor may be less strong than Ab major or Ab minor.

• Substitute or Passing Chord to the Leading Tone chord in F minor (less common)

 

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Eb7b9 as Substitute of a Secondary Dominant 7th chord

A secondary dominant is a chord that doesn’t belong to the main key of a musical piece but is used to create a strong pull toward another chord that does. In Western music, the fifth scale degree has a dominant function and generates tension that resolves to the first scale degree chord (I). A secondary dominant chord is used to create the same dominant function but towards a different chord, resulting in a brief departure from the main key.

For instance, in the key of Db major, Ab7 is the V chord and resolves to the I chord (Db Maj7). To create a secondary dominant, another chord is added between Db Maj7 and Ab7, which creates a powerful pull towards Ab7. In this scenario, incorporating an Eb7 generates a pull towards Ab7 since Eb7 is the V chord in the key of Ab.

| Db Maj7 | Ab7 |

⇒

| Db Maj7 | Eb7 | Ab7 |

 

Instead of using a regular Eb7 chord, you can also use the Eb7b9 chord in place of or together with it. This substitution or addition can add more tension and complexity to the progression, leading to a more interesting and dynamic musical result.

| Db Maj7 | Ab7 |

⇒

| Db Maj7 | Eb7/Eb7b9 | Ab7 |

 

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Eb7b9 as Dominant Chord in Ab Major

In the key of Ab major, the dominant chord is Eb7. However, this chord can be substituted or paired with an Eb7b9 chord for a more complex and interesting sound. Let’s explore how this can be done.

 

Eb7b9 Chord Progressions as V degree

Try playing these chord progressions to get an idea of how Eb7b9 functions near the dominant chord. Most of the time, I like to use it followed by an Eb7 or preceded by an Eb7#9 but feel free to experiment.

ii V I

 

I IV vi V

 

 I IV ii V iii vi ii V

 

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Eb7b9 as Dominant Chord in Ab minor

In addition to its use as the dominant chord in the key of Ab major, the Eb7 chord can also be found on the V degree of the Ab melodic and harmonic minor scales. This chord is frequently used in combination with chords built on the natural minor scale, or it can even replace the Ebm7 chord. In certain musical contexts, an Eb7b9 chord can be used as a substitute for the Eb7 chord in this position, adding a unique and complex sound to the music.

 

Eb7b9 as V degree on Minor Scale – Chord Progressions

Try playing these chord progressions to get an idea of how Eb7b9 functions as the subdominant (V degree) in the key of Ab minor.

ii V⁷ i

 

i iv V⁷

 

i iv VI V⁷

 

Circle Progression

 

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Eb7b9 as III7 Degree in Cb Major

Check D#7b9 in B Major