Eb6 Guitar Chord

Eb6 is the E flat sixth chord. It has four notes: E flat, G, B flat and C. The shape on this page uses the top four strings with the root on the D string, so it needs no barre across the neck.

134××E♭B♭CG

Four strings, root on the D at the 1st fret. The index covers the D and B strings while the ring and pinky take the G and high E. Movable, and it needs no barre across the whole neck.

How to play Eb6, step by step

  1. Index finger: press flat across the D to B strings at fret 1
  2. Ring finger: 3rd fret, G string
  3. Pinky finger: 3rd fret, high E string
  4. Strum from the D string down, skipping the two lowest strings.

This four string grip is the same shape as D6 moved up one fret, with the root now fretted rather than open. It travels the whole neck unchanged.

More ways to play Eb6

There are 3 common Eb6 shapes in total: the standard one at the top of the page, plus these, easiest first. You only ever need one. Tap any card to hear it.

Barre at fret 8
Eb6 guitar chord diagram, barre at fret 8, played x68888

Even and close packed, the four notes almost touching. Less bass weight than an open shape, which makes it easy to sit under a singer.

Barre at fret 8, root on the low E
Eb6 guitar chord diagram, barre at fret 8, root on the low e, played 11 10 8 8 8 8

The biggest Eb6 on the neck. Low root, wide spread, and the sixth ringing on top of all six strings.

If it sounds thin or buzzy

The index has to cover two strings
It holds the D and B strings at the 1st fret with the G string pressed higher in between. Lay it flat and let the middle joint sit over the G string without pressing it.
Notes near the nut buzz
The 1st fret is the stiffest place on the neck. Press harder here than you would higher up, and keep the fingers right behind the fret wire.
The bottom two strings ring
This shape starts on the D string. Mute the low E and A with the fretting hand or start the strum at the D.

What makes it an Eb6

E♭ · G · B♭ · C 1 3 5 6

Eb6 is an E flat major triad (E flat, G, B flat) with a C added, the sixth. All three triad notes are present in the shapes on this page, so nothing about the chord's identity is in doubt.

The same four notes counted from C spell Cm7. Eb6 and Cm7 are one pitch collection with two names, and the bass note decides which one your ear picks.

Eb6 vs Ebmaj7

Eb6 adds a C to the E flat triad; Ebmaj7 adds a D. A whole step below the root against a half step below it, which is the difference between resolved and hovering.

E flat is a horn key, so both chords turn up in jazz and soul rather than in campfire keys. Of the two, the sixth is the one used as a resting chord at the end of a phrase.

Eb6 chord questions

Is Eb6 the same as D#6?

Yes, one chord with two spellings. Flat keys write Eb6 and that is the form almost everyone searches for, so it is the name used here.

Is Eb6 the same as Cm7?

The four notes are the same: E flat, G, B flat and C. E flat in the bass gives Eb6, C in the bass gives Cm7.

Can I play Eb6 without a barre?

Yes. The four string shape on this page needs no barre; the index covers two strings at the 1st fret while the ring and pinky take the 3rd. The full six string version is on the page too if you want more bass.

What is the difference between Eb6 and Eb7?

Eb6 adds a C and rests. Eb7 adds a D flat and pushes toward A flat. Eb7 drives, Eb6 concludes.

Which strings do I strum?

The top four, from the D string down, so the E flat on the D string is the lowest note.

Chords to learn next

Other Eb chords