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How to play the Eb69 chord on guitar

Unleash the dreamy sound found in hits like "Creep" and "Wonderwall".

The Eb69 chord

The Eb69 chord, pronounced "E flat six nine," is a rich and versatile guitar voicing. It's built on an Eb major triad with an added sixth and ninth, creating a lush, jazzy sound. The Eb69 is often used in genres like jazz, R&B, and neo-soul, adding sophistication to progressions and melodies. Notable songs featuring this chord include "Never Too Much" by Luther Vandross.

There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common Eb69 chord. We've also included other versions below.

Eb69 guitar chord diagram

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Finger placement for Eb69 chord

The most popular way to play an Eb69 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 6th fret.

Follow these finger positions to play an Eb69 chord on your guitar:

  1. Use your index finger to barre the strings at the 6th fret, covering all six strings.
  2. Place your middle finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
  3. Place your pinky finger on the 8th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
  4. Place your ring finger on the 8th fret of the 1st (high E) string.

To strum this chord, use your pick or thumb to strum downward, hitting all six strings. Alternatively, you can pluck the individual strings one at a time for a more arpeggiated sound.

Eb69 guitar chord with finger positions

How to play an easy Eb69 chord on guitar

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Eb69 chord, try playing an Eb major chord instead. Place your index finger on the 6th fret of the 1st (high E) string, your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 5th (A) string, and your ring finger on the 8th fret of the 4th (D) string.

How to play a Eb69 bar chord

Playing the Eb69 chord as a barre chord can be a great way to add variety and fullness to your guitar playing. While there are easier ways to play an Eb69 chord, learning the barre chord version will help you master the fretboard and movable chord shapes.

Here's how to play an Eb69 barre chord:

  1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 6th fret to form the barre.
  2. Place your middle finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
  3. Place your ring finger on the 8th fret of the 5th (A) string.
  4. Place your pinky finger on the 8th fret of the 4th (D) string.
  5. Strum all six strings from low to high.

Common Eb69 chord progressions

The Eb69 chord, a variation of the Eb major chord with an added sixth and ninth, is often used in progressions to create a dreamy, nostalgic, or bittersweet emotional atmosphere. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the Eb69 chord:

  • I - vi - IV - V (Eb69 - Cm7 - Ab7 - Bb7)
  • I - iii - vi - V (Eb69 - Gm7 - Cm7 - Bb7) Used in "Moonlight in Vermont" and "Misty"
  • I - vi - ii - V (Eb69 - Cm7 - Fm7 - Bb7)
  • I - IV - vii° - iii - vi - ii - V (Eb69 - Ab7 - D°7 - Gm7 - Cm7 - Fm7 - Bb7)
  • I - iii - ii - V (Eb69 - Gm7 - Fm7 - Bb7)

Drills to master the Eb69 chord

To master the Eb69 chord, try playing the individual notes (Eb, G, Bb, C, and F) one at a time, focusing on each note's clarity and tone. Practice transitioning between these notes smoothly and efficiently.

Another effective drill is to practice strumming the Eb69 chord in various rhythmic patterns, such as quarter notes, eighth notes, or a combination of both. This will help you develop muscle memory and improve your timing when playing the chord in different musical contexts.

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Songs that feature the Eb69 chord

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Eb6/9 chord.

  1. Hold On, We're Going Home by Drake (Eb6/9, Bbm7, Cm7, Abmaj7)
  2. The Star-Spangled Banner by John Stafford Smith (Eb6/9, Ab, Bb7, Eb)
  3. True Colors by Cyndi Lauper (Eb6/9, Ab, Cm7, Bb)
  4. Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers (Eb6/9, Bb, Cm, Ab)
  5. Killing Me Softly with His Song by Roberta Flack (Eb6/9, Gm7, Cm7, F7)
  6. A Thousand Years by Christina Perri (Eb6/9, Ab, Cm, Bb)
  7. My Immortal by Evanescence (Eb6/9, Bbm, Abmaj7, Db)
  8. Chances Are by Johnny Mathis (Eb6/9, Cm7, Fm7, Bb7)
  9. Moon River by Henry Mancini (Eb6/9, Cm7, Fm7, Bb7)
  10. All of Me by John Legend (Eb6/9, Ab, Cm, Bb)

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.