Eb7

Eb7, or E-flat seven, is a dominant seventh chord built on the note E-flat. It consists of the notes Eb, G, Bb, and Db: a major triad (Eb–G–Bb) with a minor seventh (Db) added.

In harmonic function, Eb7 is the dominant seventh of Ab major or Ab minor, and it typically resolves to Ab, providing a strong pull to the tonic. It is a common ingredient in ii–V–I progressions in Ab major and can appear in various keys as a dominant function. In jazz, Eb7 is also used as a tritone substitute for A7 when resolving to D major or D minor, offering chromatic color and smooth voice-leading.

Voicings and inversions: The basic forms of Eb7 include root position Eb–G–Bb–Db, first inversion G–Bb–Db–Eb, second inversion Bb–Db–Eb–G, and third inversion Db–Eb–G–Bb. Jazz players frequently employ drop-2 or other extended voicings (such as Eb7(9), Eb7(13), or Eb7alt) to add color, depending on style and context.

Notational notes: Eb7 is the standard spelling in most tonal contexts. It is enharmonically equivalent to D#7, but D#7 is rarely used in conventional harmony since Eb is the correct spelling for the dominant of Ab. The chord can be extended with tensions or altered tones to fit different genres, but Eb–G–Bb–Db remains the core structure.