Eb Minor Triad
Chord Tones: Eb Minor Triad
Symbol: m, min, - — Formula: 1-♭3-5
| Degree | Note | Frequency (A=440, Equal) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eb | 311.127 Hz |
| ♭3 | Gb | 369.994 Hz |
| 5 | Bb | 466.164 Hz |
Chord Notation
| Notation Type | Symbol / Value |
|---|---|
| Lead Sheet Symbol | Ebm |
| All Common Symbols | m, min, - |
| Interval Formula | 1-♭3-5 |
| Harmonic Category | consonant |
Roman numeral (e.g. I, IV, V) and Nashville Number notation are key-dependent. See Keys pages for chord function within specific keys.
Inversions
| Inversion | Notes (low to high) | Bass Note | Slash Notation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root Position | Eb – Gb – Bb | Eb | Eb Minor Triad |
| First Inversion | Gb – Bb – Eb | Gb | Eb Minor Triad/Gb |
| Second Inversion | Bb – Eb – Gb | Bb | Eb Minor Triad/Bb |
Harmonic Function
The Eb minor chord commonly functions as the mediant (♭III) in C minor or subdominant in B♭ major. Its harmonic role varies by key — in major keys it provides subdominant or supertonic color.
The minor triad has a dark, introspective sound created by the flat third degree. It is the foundation of minor key harmony and widely used across all genres of music.
Common Progressions
The Eb Minor Triad frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):
i-iv-v-iii-V-I
Songs Featuring the Minor Triad
Well-known songs where the Eb Minor Triad — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:
- Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin
- Nothing Else Matters – Metallica
- Losing My Religion – R.E.M.
Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments
Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.
| Note | Equal Temp. | Pythagorean | Just Intonation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eb | 311.127 Hz | 309.026 Hz | 313.951 Hz |
| Gb | 369.994 Hz | 371.251 Hz | 367.911 Hz |
| Bb | 466.164 Hz | 463.538 Hz | 470.926 Hz |
Scales Containing the Eb Minor Triad
These scales include the Eb Minor Triad as a diatonic or characteristic chord: