How to play the Ebmaj13 chord on guitar
Unleash the lush harmony heard in hits like "Wonderwall" and "Stairway to Heaven."
The Ebmaj13 chord
The Ebmaj13 chord, pronounced E-flat major thirteenth, is a rich and complex harmony that adds a sophisticated flavor to any musical composition. Notable for its lush, jazzy sound, this chord is frequently used in genres like jazz, R&B, and neo-soul. The Ebmaj13 includes the 7th and 13th notes of the scale, giving it a distinctive and colorful character that enhances melodic and harmonic possibilities.
There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common Ebmaj13 chord. We've also included other versions below.
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Finger placement for Ebmaj13 chord
The most common way to play the Ebmaj13 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 6th fret.
Follow these finger positions to play a Ebmaj13 chord on your guitar:
- Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 6th fret.
- Place your middle finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 8th fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 8th fret of the 4th (D) string.
Strum all six strings together to play the Ebmaj13 chord. Make sure to apply firm pressure with your index finger to properly barre the strings.
How to play an easy Ebmaj13 chord on guitar
If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Ebmaj13 chord, try playing an Eb major triad (Eb, G, Bb) with your 1st, 3rd, and 4th fingers on the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings at the 11th fret. This gives you the essential notes of the Ebmaj13 chord without the extended voicing.
How to play a Ebmaj13 bar chord
The Ebmaj13 chord is typically played as individual notes rather than a barre chord shape. I don't have enough confidence to provide instructions on a popular barre chord version of this chord that would be suitable for beginners. My apologies for not being able to assist further with your request.
Common Ebmaj13 chord progressions
The Ebmaj13 chord adds a dreamy and sophisticated flavor to chord progressions, often used in jazz and neo-soul music to create smooth transitions and evoke a reflective mood. Here are some common Ebmaj13 chord progressions:
- I - VI - II - V (Ebmaj13 - Cm7 - Fm7 - Bbm7)
- I - III - VI - II - V (Ebmaj13 - Gm7 - Cm7 - Fm7 - Bbm7)
- I - VI - III - VII (Ebmaj13 - Cm7 - Gm7 - Dm7b5) Used in "Fall in Love (Your Funeral)" by Erykah Badu
- I - VI - IV - V (Ebmaj13 - Cm7 - Abmaj7 - Bbm7)
- I - VII - III - VI (Ebmaj13 - Dm7b5 - Gm7 - Cm7)
Drills to master the Ebmaj13 chord
To master the Ebmaj13 chord, start by playing each note individually, focusing on clean execution and tone. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between the notes in different orders, such as ascending (Eb, G, Bb, D, F, C) or descending (C, F, D, Bb, G, Eb).
Next, try playing the chord as an arpeggio, breaking it up into smaller groups of notes. For example, play Eb, G, and Bb together, followed by D, F, and C. Experiment with different rhythmic patterns and tempos to develop fluidity and control over the chord.
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Songs that feature the Ebmaj13 chord
Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Ebmaj13 chord.
- Good Times Bad Times by Led Zeppelin (Ebmaj13, Abm7, Dbm7, Gbm7)
- Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (Ebmaj13, C, Am, G, D)
- Hotel California by Eagles (Ebmaj13, G, D, F#m, Bm)
- Purple Rain by Prince (Ebmaj13, Bb, Gm, Cm)
- Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (Ebmaj13, G, D/F#, Em, A)
- Wonderwall by Oasis (Ebmaj13, G, D, A)
- All Along the Watchtower by The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Ebmaj13, Bb, Gm)
- Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits (Ebmaj13, Dm, C, Bb)
- Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd (Ebmaj13, Dm, C, Bb, F)
- Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns N' Roses (Ebmaj13, C, G, D)
How a guitar teacher can help
If you feel stuck in your playing, it might help to take personalized guitar lessons with an expert guitarist. Taking lessons with a pro gives you access to the skills, feedback, and motivation to reach your goals.
You can find expert guitar teachers to support you in the journey. Thousands of people have turned to online guitar lessons on Til, instead of traditional in-person lessons, because Til gives you access to the best teachers in the world from the comfort of home. And with flexible scheduling, secure payments, lesson recordings, and a private chat with your teacher–there’s never been a better way to learn guitar.