Ebmaj7 Guitar Chord

Ebmaj7 is the E flat major seventh chord. It has four notes: E♭, G, B♭ and D. There is no open string version; the standard shape is the Dmaj7 grip moved up one fret, four fingers on the top four strings with no barre needed.

1234××E♭B♭DG

The Dmaj7 shape moved up one fret: index on the D string, three fingers in a row across the 3rd fret. Movable, and no barre despite the stack.

How to play Ebmaj7, step by step

  1. Index finger: 1st fret, D string
  2. Middle finger: 3rd fret, G string
  3. Ring finger: 3rd fret, B string
  4. Pinky finger: 3rd fret, high E string
  5. Strum from the D string down, skipping the two lowest strings.

More ways to play Ebmaj7

There are 2 common Ebmaj7 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.

Compact, frets 6 to 8
Ebmaj7 guitar chord diagram, compact, frets 6 to 8, played x6878x

Rounder and thicker than the main shape, since the notes sit on heavier strings further up the neck.

If it sounds cramped or muted

The three notes at the 3rd fret crowd each other
Middle, ring and pinky share one fret across three strings. Stand each finger on its tip and stagger them slightly so each has room.
D string buzzes at the 1st fret
The index is stretched a fret behind the others and tends to go flat. Keep its tip planted just behind the 1st fret wire.
Low strings ring by accident
Only the top four strings belong to this voicing. Start the strum on the D string; if the low E or A keep sneaking in, let your thumb damp the low E.

What makes it an Ebmaj7

E♭ · G · B♭ · D 1 3 5 7

Ebmaj7 is a major seventh chord: an E flat major triad (E♭, G, B♭) plus a major seventh (D). The D a half step under the root is the ingredient that turns a plain major into something soft and floating. Ebmaj7 is the I chord of E flat major and the IV chord of B flat major. Both are natural keys for horns and piano, so guitarists meet this chord most often in jazz, soul and Motown style tunes.

Eb vs Ebmaj7

E flat major has three notes; Ebmaj7 adds a D. On guitar the plain Eb is an awkward barre for most people, while Ebmaj7's standard shape is four separate fingers, no barre. The maj7 is both the softer sound and, unusually, the easier grip. When a chart in E flat allows it, many players are glad to see the maj7.

Ebmaj7 chord questions

Is Ebmaj7 hard on guitar?

Moderate. The standard shape needs no barre, just four fingers in a tight box on frets 1 to 3. Getting the three stacked 3rd fret notes clean is the only real hurdle.

Is D#maj7 the same as Ebmaj7?

Yes, same pitches with a different spelling. Almost everything is written as Ebmaj7, since E flat is a standard key and D sharp is not.

Can I play Ebmaj7 without a barre?

Yes. Both voicings on this page use only fingertips: the Dmaj7 style shape at the 1st fret and the A string root shape at the 6th.

What is the difference between Ebmaj7 and Eb7?

The seventh note. Eb7 carries a D♭ and sounds tense and bluesy, aiming at A flat. Ebmaj7 carries a D natural and sounds smooth and finished.

What keys use Ebmaj7?

It is the I chord of E flat major and the IV chord of B flat major, both everyday keys in jazz and soul.

Chords to learn next

Other Eb chords