Skip to content
Home » SUSPENDED CHORDS » 7sus4 » Eb7sus4 Piano Chord – Charts, Harmony and Music Theory

Eb7sus4 Piano Chord

    Piano Diagram of Eb7sus4 in Root Position

    Eb7sus4 Chord - Root Position - Piano Diagram

    The Eb7sus4 chord is made up of four notes, namely Eb, Ab, Bb, and Db. This chord is known as a suspended second chord since the third note in the chord is substituted with a perfect fourth which creates a sense of suspension. To play the Eb7sus4 chord on a piano, you simply need to replace the third note (G) of an Eb7 chord with the fourth note (Ab) from its root. Keep reading to get a better understanding of the music theory principles behind this chord.

     


    Structure of Eb7sus4

    Notes

    Eb, Ab, Bb, Db

    Intervals

    R, 4, 5, m7

     

    Fingers Position

     

    Left Hand

    5, 3, 2, 1

    Right Hand

    1, 2, 3, 5

     

    Eb7sus4 Chord Inversions

     

    The Eb7sus4 chord has a total of 3 inversions:

    Root Position: Eb Ab Bb Db
    1st Inversion: Ab Bb Db Eb
    2nd Inversion: Bb Db Eb Ab
    3rd Inversion: Db Eb Ab Bb

     Piano Keyboard Diagrams


    Music Theory and Harmony of Eb7sus4

     

    What are Suspended  Chords?

    Suspended chords are a type of chord in which the third note is replaced by either a major second or a perfect fourth. These resulting chords are called suspended second (sus2) or suspended fourth (sus4) chords, respectively. These chords create a unique and sometimes unresolved sound that can add tension and interest to a musical composition.

    Suspended chords have a distinct sound that sets them apart from major and minor chords. They are called suspended chords because they temporarily suspend the listener’s expectation of hearing a major or minor stable chord. Instead, they feature a perfect fourth or major second interval in place of the third. Due to their “neutral nature,” suspended chords can sometimes be used as substitutes for both major and minor chords.

    The 7sus4 chord is a more intricate and richer version of sus4 chords, thanks to the inclusion of an extra minor 7th note. This additional note makes 7sus4 chords a more suitable choice for dominant and minor 7th chords.

     


    Building the Eb7sus4 Chord: Different Approaches

    Starting from the Eb major Scale

    To build a 7sus4 chord, you can use the major scale as a guide and combine a root note, a perfect 4th, a perfect 5th, and a minor 7th interval.

     

    Eb Major Diatonic Scale up to octave

    Eb Major Scale

     

    Eb Major Diatonic Scale up to octave Keyless Notation

    Eb Major Scale – Keyless notation

     

    To create an Eb7sus4 chord, apply the formula R, 4, 5, m7 in the following manner:

    1. Begin with the Root note, Eb.
    2. Select the 4th interval, Ab.
    3. Add the 5th note, Bb.
    4. Finally, add the minor 7th interval, which is Db.

    By following this simple formula, you can create a 7sus4 chord from any major scale.

     


    by Combining Intervals

    One method to create a dominant suspended 4th chord is by combining three specific intervals – a perfect 4th, a major 2nd, and a minor 3rd.

    4 + 2 + m3 = 7sus4 Chords

    To illustrate, let’s use the Eb7sus4 chord as an example. By examining the intervals between the notes, we can see that Eb-Ab forms a perfect 4th interval, Ab-Bb creates a major second interval, and the interval between Bb and Db is a minor 3rd.

     


    How to Use Eb7sus4 in a Chord Progression

     

    Suspended chords have a unique quality that sets them apart from major and minor chords. They are considered neither major nor minor, which makes them a great tool for creating tension and suspense in a musical composition before resolving to a stable major or minor chord.

    To incorporate an Eb7sus4 into a chord progression, you can refer to the following tables, which outline the most common positions where the chord can be found or utilized. However, it’s crucial to understand that, since this chord contains a minor 7th, it isn’t compatible with Maj7 chords, unlike sus2 or sus4 chords. Nevertheless, it can be used on dominant chords and on all positions where an Ebm7 is present.

    Eb7sus4 as Substitute of Eb7

    Eb7sus4 can be used as a substitute for Eb7 in major and minor keys. In the Ab major key, Eb7 can be replaced with Eb7sus4 in the V position. Similarly, in  F minor, Eb7 can be substituted with Eb7sus4 in the VII position which is the leading tone chord.

     

    on Major Scales

    Major Scales I ii iii IV V vi vii
    Ab Ab Maj7 Bb min7 C min7 Db Maj7 Eb7 ⇒ Eb7sus4 F min7 Gm7b5
    • Dominant chord in Ab Major

     

    on Natural minor Scales

    Minor Scales i ii III iv v VI VII
    F F min7 Gm7b5 Ab Maj7 Bb min7 C min7 Db Maj7 Eb7 ⇒ Eb7sus4
    • Leading tone chord in F minor

     


    Eb7sus4 as Substitute of Eb min7

    Eb7sus4 chord can be used as a substitute for Eb minor 7th in various major and minor keys:

     

    on Major Scales

    Major Scales I ii iii IV V vi vii
    Db Db Maj7 Ebm7 ⇒ Eb7sus4 F min7 Gb Maj7 Ab7 Bb min7 Cm7b5
    Cb = B B Maj7 C# min7 D#m7 ⇒ D#7sus4 = Eb7sus4 E Maj7 F#7 G# min7 A#m7b5
    Gb Gb Maj7 Ab min7 Bb min7 Cb Maj7 Db7 Ebm7 ⇒ Eb7sus4 Fm7b5
    • Supertonic chord in Db Major
    • Mediant chord in B Major scale as D#7sus2
    • Submediant chord in Gb Major

     

    on Natural minor Scales

    Minor Scales i ii III iv v VI VII
    Eb Ebm7 ⇒ Eb7sus4 Fm7b5 Gb Maj7 Ab min7 Bb min7 Cb Maj7 Db7
    Bb Bb min7 Cm7b5 Db Maj7 Ebm7 ⇒ Eb7sus4 F min7 Gb Maj7 Ab7
    Ab Ab min7 Bbm7b5 Cb Maj7 Db min7 Ebm7 ⇒ Eb7sus4 Fb Maj7 Gb7
    • Tonic chord in Eb minor
    • Subdominant chord in Bb minor
    • Dominant chord in Ab minor

     


    Eb7sus4 Chord Function in Major and Minors

    Understanding Scale Degrees

    When creating chords from a scale, each note in the scale is assigned a degree, which reflects its position in the scale. In the diatonic major scale, there are seven degrees, and each degree has a unique role in the overall harmony of the scale.

    1. The first degree of the scale is called the Tonic, and it serves as the foundation for the scale. It provides a stable tonal center and is often referred to as the “home base” of the music.
    2. The second degree of the scale is called the Supertonic. It’s typically used as a passing note between the tonic and other scale degrees, and it adds a sense of movement to the melody or harmony.
    3. The third degree of the scale is called the Mediant. It’s located halfway between the tonic and dominant notes and helps to establish whether the scale is major or minor.
    4. The fourth degree of the scale is called the Subdominant. It’s often used as a complementary harmony to the dominant and adds a sense of tension and resolution to the music.
    5. The fifth degree of the scale is called the Dominant. It generates tension and a sense of expectation, and it’s typically resolved by returning to the tonic.
    6. The sixth degree of the scale is called the Submediant. It’s often utilized as a transition between the dominant and tonic, and it provides a sense of stability and restfulness to the music.
    7. The seventh degree of the scale is called the Leading tone. It’s located one half step below the tonic and produces a strong sense of tension and a desire to resolve to the tonic. It’s often used to create a sense of resolution and finality in the melody or harmony.

     


    Eb7sus4 in Ab Major

    In the key of Ab Major, the fifth degree is Eb7. However, by playing an Eb7sus4 chord instead, you can create a sense of tension and expectation, which can then be resolved by returning to the dominant chord or to another degree of the scale.

    I ii iii IV V vi vii
    Ab Maj7 Bb min7 C min7 Db Maj7 Eb7 F min7 Gm7b5

     

    Eb7sus4 as V degree – Chord Progressions
    ii V I
    ii V I
    Bb min7 Eb7sus4 | Eb7 Ab Maj7

    You can experiment with different ways of playing the Eb7sus4 chord in the key of Ab Major. For example, you could play just the Eb7sus4 chord, or split the measure in half and play both the Eb7sus4 and Eb7 chords. Another option is to invert the order of the chords, playing the Eb7 chord first and then resolving to the Eb7sus4 chord.

    I IV V
    I IV V
    Ab Maj7 Db Maj7 Eb7sus4 | Eb7

     

     I V vi IV
    I V vi IV
    Ab Maj7 Eb7sus4 | Eb7 F min7 Db Maj7

     

    I IV vi V
    I IV vi V
    Ab Maj7 Db Maj7 F min7 Eb7sus4 | Eb7

     

     I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    Ab Maj7 Db Maj7 Bb min7 Eb7sus4 | Eb7 C min7 F min7 Bb min7 Eb7sus4 | Eb7

     


    Eb7sus4 in F Minor

    In the key of F minor, the seventh degree features an Eb7 chord. Adding an Eb7sus4 chord can create a sense of anticipation and tension, preparing the listener for the resolution to the tonic chord. You can experiment with playing just the Eb7sus4 chord or combining it with the Eb7 chord.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    F min7 Gm7b5 Ab Maj7 Bb min7 C min7 Db Maj7 Eb7

     

    Eb7sus4 as VII degree – Chord Progressions
    i VI VII
    i V VII
    F min7 C min7 Eb7sus4 | Eb7

     

    i v VI VII
    i v VI VII
    F min7 C min7 Db Maj7 Eb7 | Eb7sus4

     

    i III VII VI
    i III VII VI
    F min7 Ab Maj7 Eb7sus4 | Eb7 Db Maj7

     

    Circle Progression
    i iv VII III VI ii V7 i
    F min7 Bb min7 Eb7sus4 | Eb7 Ab Maj7 Db Maj7 Gm7b5 C7 F min7

     


    Eb7sus4 in Db Major

    In the context of Db Major key, the second chord in the key is typically an Eb minor chord. However, incorporating an Eb7sus4 chord instead of Ebm can add some variation and tonal interest to a chord progression.

    I ii iii IV V vi vii
    Db Maj7 Eb min7 F min7 Gb Maj7 Ab7 Bb min7 Cm7b5

     

    Eb7sus4 Chord Progressions as ii degree
    ii V I
    ii V I
    Eb7sus4 | Ebm7 Ab7 Db Maj7

     

    I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    Db Maj7 Gb Maj7 Eb7sus4 | Ebm7 Ab7 F min7 Bb min7 Ebmin7 | Eb7sus4 Ab7

     


    Eb7sus4 in Cb Major

    Check D#7sus4 in B Major

     


    Eb7sus4 in Gb Major

    In the key of Gb Major, the Eb7sus4 chord can function as a submediant chord, which means it’s a chord built on the sixth degree of the scale. It can add variety and interest to a chord progression that already includes an Ebm chord on the sixth degree.

    I ii iii IV V vi vii
    Gb Maj7 Ab min7 Bb min7 Cb Maj7 Db7 Eb min7 Fm7b5

     

    Eb7sus4 as vi degree – Chord Progressions
    I iii vi V
    I iii vi V
    Gb Maj7 Bb min7 Eb7sus4 | Ebm7 Db7

     

    I vi ii V
    I vi ii V
    Gb Maj7 Eb7sus4 | Ebm7 Ab min7 Db7

     

    I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    Gb Maj7 Cb Maj7 Ab min7 Db7 Bb min7 Eb7sus4 | Ebm7 Ab min7 Db7

     


    Eb7sus4 in Eb Minor

    When using the Eb7sus4 chord in the key of Eb minor, it can serve as a variation of the traditional Ebm chord.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    Eb min7 Fm7b5 Gb Maj7 Ab min7 Bb min7 Cb Maj7 Db7

     

    Eb7sus4 Chord Progressions as i degree
    i VI VII
    i VI VII
    Eb7sus4 | Ebm7 Cb Maj7 Db7
    i iv VI VII
    i iv VI VII
    Eb7sus4 Ab min7 Cb Maj7 Db7

     


    Eb7sus4 in Bb Minor

    When playing in the key of Bb minor, you can try using the Eb7sus4 chord as a substitution or variation for the Eb major chord on the IV degree.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    Bb min7 Cm7b5 Db Maj7 Eb min7 F min7 Gb Maj7 Ab7

     

    Eb7sus4 Chord Progressions as iv degree
    iv III VI VII
    iv III VI VII
    Eb7sus4 | Ebm7 Db Maj7 Gb Maj7 Ab7

     

    i iv VI v
    i iv VI v
    Bb min7 Eb7sus4 | Ebm7 Gb Maj7 F min7

     


    Eb7sus4 in Ab Minor

    In the key of Ab minor, the Eb7sus4 chord can function as a substitution or variation for the fifth chord, adding a unique tonal color to the progression. By pairing it with the Eb7 chord on the fifth degree, it can create a sense of tension and expectation for the resolution to the tonic chord or to another chord of the scale.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    Ab min7 Bbm7b5 Cb Maj7 Db min7 Eb min7 Fb Maj7 Gb7

     

    Eb7sus4 as v degree – Chord Progressions
    i iv VI v
    i iv VI v
    Ab min7 Db min7 Fb Maj7 Eb7sus4 | Ebm7

     

    i v VI VII
    i v VI VII
    Ab min7 Eb7sus4 | Ebm7 Fb Maj7 Gb7

     

    i VI v iv
    i VI v iv
    Ab min7 Fb Maj7 Eb7sus4 | Ebm7 Db min7

     


    Alternative Names for Eb7sus4 Chord

    • Eb7sus4
    • Eb7sus(4)
    • Eb7 add4(no3)
    • Eb7 add4(omit3)
    • Eb Dominant Suspended 4th

     


    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    INDEX