Eb6

Eb6, or E-flat six, is a four-note chord built from a major triad on E-flat with an added major sixth. The basic form consists of the notes Eb, G, Bb, and C. It is commonly notated as Eb6 or Ebmaj6.

Voicings and inversions vary. In root position the notes are Eb–G–Bb–C. In first inversion: G–Bb–C–Eb; second inversion: Bb–C–Eb–G; third inversion: C–Eb–G–Bb. Players may omit the fifth (Bb) for certain textures, yielding Eb–G–C or other compact layouts. A common variant is Eb6/9, which adds the ninth (F) to produce Eb–G–Bb–C–F.

Harmonic function, context, and color. Eb6 is a major-chord color extension used in many styles, including jazz and pop. It provides a brighter, more lyrical sonority than a plain Eb major triad and can function as a color substitute in progressions that require a smooth melodic line or a gentle lift. It often appears in ballads and smooth-jazz contexts and can lead naturally to chords such as Ab major or Bb minor depending on voice-leading.

Related chords. Ebmaj7 differs by replacing the sixth with a major seventh (D). Variants that omit the third would blur the major/minor distinction. The terminology “6” versus “maj6” reflects common usage in different musical genres, but the four-note Eb–G–Bb–C form remains the core identity of Eb6.