E♭ minor (E♭m) chord on piano

The E♭ minor chord (E♭m) is a minor triad, made of three notes: E♭ – G♭ – B♭. The same chord with a different spelling: D♯ minor (D♯m).

Root position: E♭4 – G♭4 – B♭4

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What the E♭m chord sounds like

A minor triad differs from a major one only in the third: it has a minor third, which gives it a darker, sadder colour. In a major key, chords ii, iii and vi are minor.

Notes of the E♭m chord

Degree	Note	Interval from the root
1	E♭	root
3	G♭	minor third (3 semitones)
5	B♭	perfect fifth (7 semitones)

Root position and inversions

An inversion uses the same notes, with a different note at the bottom. When you change chords, choosing the nearest inversion keeps your hand almost still.

Root position

E♭4 – G♭4 – B♭4

1st inversion

G♭4 – B♭4 – E♭5

2nd inversion

B♭4 – E♭5 – G♭5

Which keys is it in?

The E♭m chord is built from the notes of these keys (for minor keys, both the natural and the harmonic minor are considered):

E♭ minor: i (tonic)
B♭ minor: iv (subdominant)
G♭ major: vi
D♭ major: ii

Similar chords and substitutes

If E♭m is too hard, or you want a different colour in the same spot, these chords are worth a try.

Substitutes (by function)

F♯ – relative major: two shared notes
B – the major chord a major third below: two shared notes
E♭m7 – a fuller, softer minor colour

Richer versions

E♭m7 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
E♭m6 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
E♭m9 – the same chord plus 2 colour notes

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the E♭m chord?

E♭, G♭, B♭. The root is E♭; the intervals of the other notes from the root: minor third, perfect fifth.

How do I play the E♭m chord on piano?

In root position, the right hand usually plays with fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb, middle finger, little finger); four-note chords with fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5. The left hand mirrors this: 5, 3, 1. In an inversion the top or bottom note moves to the other side, so your hand moves less when you change chords.

How is the E♭m chord written?

The chord symbol is E♭m (also written Ebm), and its full name is E♭ minor.