Eb Minor 11th
Notes:Eb – Gb – Bb – Db – F – Ab
Formula:R-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Intervals:P1-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Scale Degrees:1-b3-5-b7-9-11
Introduction
The Eb Minor 11th piano chord (Ebm11) consists of the notes Eb, Gb, Bb, Db, F, Ab. It is a minor 9th chord with an added perfect 11th, giving it a dark and expansive character commonly used in jazz, funk, and soul. Formula: R-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11 | Scale degrees: 1-b3-5-b7-9-11.
Enharmonic equivalent: E♭ is enharmonically equivalent to D♯. See D# Minor 11th.
Notes
Eb Minor 11th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | Eb4 – Gb4 – Bb4 – Db5 – F5 – Ab5 |
| 1st Inversion | Gb4 – Bb4 – Db5 – Eb5 – F5 – Ab5 |
| 2nd Inversion | Bb4 – Db5 – Eb5 – F5 – Ab5 – Gb5 |
Key Signature
The key of Eb Minor 11th has 6 flats: B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Intervals: P1-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11
The Eb Minor 11th is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11 show the distance between each note in the chord.
Eb Minor 11th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Eb Minor 11th chord?
Ebm11 contains six notes: Eb, Gb, Bb, Db, F, Ab. Practical voicing: Eb–Gb–Db–F–Ab. No internal clash.
How does Ebm11 differ from Eb11?
Ebm11 has minor third (Gb). Eb11 has major third (G, usually omitted).
How is Ebm11 used in music?
Ebm11 is the ii in Db Major. Common in R&B, neo-soul, and jazz.
How does Ebm11 differ from Ebm9?
Adds the eleventh (Ab) for warmth and fullness.
What songs use Minor 11th chords?
Neo-soul, modern jazz, lo-fi.
Do I need to play all six notes?
Drop the fifth: Eb–Gb–Db–F–Ab.
Practice Tips
- All notes work together in minor 11ths — no clash.
- Ebm11 has a distinctive all-black-keys-plus-F shape.
- Practice Ebm11 → Ab13 → Dbmaj9.
- Loop for dark, atmospheric neo-soul groove.
- Stacked fourths voicing is beautiful here.
- Drop the fifth for practical voicing.