The E Flat Major Triad: A Music Theory Guide 🎶🎸🎹

By Jade Bultitude
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In this article you’ll learn how to construct the E flat major triad as well as how to play it on piano and guitar.

We’ve also included sections on inversions and figured bass for those that want a deeper understanding. Lastly, listen to some examples of popular songs that featured this triad.

Root , 3rd and 5th

he E flat major triad is formed of the 1st, flat 3rd and flat 5th of the E flat major scale.

  • Eb – root note
  • G – Major 3rd above the root
  • Bb – perfect 5th above the root

Here is the triad written on the stave in the treble and bass clef.

E flat maj triad treble clef
E flat maj triad bass clef

Before you read on make sure that you have a basic understanding of intervals. Intervals are vital for understanding how triads are built. Check out our guide to major, minor and perfect intervals for more on this.

E flat Major Triad on Piano

Below you can see how to play this triad on the keyboard or piano. This pattern of notes could also be played starting on any E flat note.

However, the order of the notes must be the same:

  • E flat – lowest note
  • G – middle note
  • B flat – highest note

This is called ‘root position’.

E flat maj triad, root position paino diagram

Eb Major Triad on Guitar

There are two simple positions that you can use to play a E flat major chord on guitar. Both positions can also be slide up or down the neck to play different major triads.

Eb major triad root position guitar chart

1st Inversion

A 1st inversion is where we take a triad but we start on the second note, which in this case is G natural. We still keep the Bb above, but then the E flat (or root) become the highest note.

This way of rearranging a triad gives us a different sound as the relative pitches of the three notes has changed.

  • E flat – lowest note
  • G – middle note
  • B flat – highest note
Eb major triad 1st inversion

1st inversion on Piano

On the piano we can play the 1st inversion of a Eb Major triad by starting on an G natural. They play the Bb above and the Eb above this.

E flat maj triad 1st inversion piano diagram

1st Inversion on Guitar

Below are the most common shapes for playing a Eb major triad in the 1st inversion. Remember that we can only use certain shapes are the pitches of the three notes are important.

E flat maj triad 1st inverion guitar charts

2nd Inversion

A 2nd inversion is where we take a triad but we start on the third note, which in this case is B flat. We play the E flat above then the G becomes the highest note in the chord.

  • B flat – perfect 5th (lowest note)
  • E flat – root note (middle note)
  • G – major 3rd (highest note)

We could construct a 2nd inversion starting on any Bb note in any octave. The only thing that must stay the same is that the we use the Eb above and the G above that.

E flat major chord 2nd inversion

2nd inversion on Piano

On the piano we can play the 2nd inversion of a Eb Major triad by starting on a B flat. They play the E flat above and the G above this.

Eb major triad 2nd inversion piano diagram

2nd Inversion on Guitar

Below are the most common shapes for playing a E flat major chord in the 2nd inversion. Remember that we can only use certain shapes are the pitches of the three notes are important.

E flat major chord 2nd inversion guitar charts

Triads from the E flat Major Scale

By looking at the E flat Major scale we can actually make triads built on each note and only using notes from E flat major. Below you can see a list of each triad we will create be starting on different notes of the scale.

  • Eb Major
  • F Minor
  • G Minor
  • Ab Major
  • Bb Major
  • C Minor
  • D Diminished
chords in e flat major

Famous Songs in E flat Major

Here’s 3 famous examples of songs in a E flat Major key. For this reason, they use E flat Major triads, as the root note chord, priminently in their chord progressions.

‘Jar Of Hearts’ – Christina Perri

Christina Perri’s “Jar of Hearts,” performed in the key of E flat major, is a poignant and emotionally charged ballad that has captured the hearts of many. With its soulful composition and Perri’s powerful vocals, this song has become a standout in the pop genre.

‘Apologize’ – One Republic

One Republic’s ‘Apologize,’ set in the key of E flat major, is a hauntingly beautiful track that resonates with its raw emotion and heartfelt lyrics.

‘Bad Day’ – Daniel Powter

“Daniel Powter’s ‘Bad Day,’ composed in the key of E flat major, is a reflective and melodic anthem that captures the essence of life’s ups and downs. With its catchy piano-driven melody and relatable lyrics, this song has remained popular since its release.

Figured Bass Notation for E flat Major Triads

Figured bass is an alternative way of labelling chords. It uses vertical numbers to denote chords and it can be used to label any type of triad. Below are the figured bass symbols for the E flat Major chord in all three inversions. 

E flat major triads figured bass
  • Root Position – 3/5 indicates that a 3rd above the root and a 5th above the root are to be played.
  • 1st Inversion – 3/6 indicates that a 3rd and 6th should be played above the root note
  • 2nd inversion – 4/6 indicates that a 4th and 6th above the root note should be played.

There are also figured bass symbols for minor, diminished and augmented triads. A summary is below, but if you want a deepen explanation of how to use this notation, check out our complete guide to figured bass.

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AUTHOR
Jade is a flute player and music educator with a passion for educating the next generation of musicians. She is a Masters Graduate from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Jade has been helping people learn music theory for more than 10 years from pre school children all the way to degree level studies.