Key of Eb Major

General Info

Name

Eb Major

Type

Major (natural)

Tonic

Eb

Key signature

3 flats (E, A, B)

Relative key

C MinorRelative

Parallel key

Eb MinorParallel

Description

Complete reference for the key of Eb Major: diatonic chords, fretboard scale, common progressions and related keys.

Key Composition

Degrees, notes & intervals

1Ebroot

2Fmajor 2nd

3Gmajor 3rd

4Abperfect 4th

5Bbperfect 5th

6Cmajor 6th

7Dmajor 7th

Key Construction

Interval formula

Eb

1

F

1

G

½

Ab

1

Bb

1

C

1

D

Explanation

A major key is built on the natural major scale: two whole steps, half step, three whole steps, half step. This formula determines all notes and chords of the key.

How the Key Feels

Key character

Majestic and solemn key. Three flats create a noble, full sound. The key of heroic symphonies.

Harmonic Functions

Overview

Tonic is the center of the key, a point of rest and stability. Subdominant creates movement away from tonic, building tension. Dominant provides maximum pull toward tonic, seeking resolution. The harmonic motion T→S→D→T is the core principle of tonal music.

Chords by Degree

Tensions & Resolutions

Harmonic Context

Tonal patterns & principles

Eb Major is a classic major key of the tonal system. The key unfolds through the alternation of stability (T) and tension (S, D).

Natural progressions

I–IV–V–I

Eb—Ab—Bb—Eb

full cadenceI–V–vi–IV

Eb—Bb—Cm—Ab

pop formulaii–V–I

Fm—Bb—Eb

jazz cadence

Cadences

VBbBb

IEbEb

Authentic cadence — creates a sense of completion.

IVAbAb

VBbBb

IEbEb

Full cadence — the most convincing phrase ending.