Construction
E♭ Minor 11th = Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th = E♭, G♭, B♭, D♭, F, A♭
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| E♭ | Root | 1 |
| G♭ | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| B♭ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| D♭ | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
| F | Major 2nd | 9 |
| A♭ | Perfect 4th | 11 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the E♭ Minor 11th is the tonic (i) chord of E♭ Minor, which shares the signature of its relative major, G♭ Major: 6 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭).
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Chords in the Key of E♭ Minor
These are the triads built on each degree of E♭ Minor:
Scales That Include the E♭ Minor 11th
- F# Major (vi)
- Db Major (ii)
- Bb Minor (iv)
- Eb Minor (i)
- G# Dorian (v)
- A# Phrygian (iv)
- B Lydian (iii)
- C# Mixolydian (ii)
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes E♭ – G♭ – B♭ – D♭ – F – A♭ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
E♭ Minor 11th : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the E♭ Minor 11th chord on piano?
The E♭ Minor 11th chord contains the notes E♭ – G♭ – B♭ – D♭ – F – A♭. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
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.