A Simple Guide to the E/B Piano Chord

Musicnotes

• 4 min read
A Simple Guide to the E/B Piano Chord

Every major chord is fundamental to learning how to play the piano, and the E/B piano chord is no exception. 

Many pianists would be the first to agree that it is the instrument’s silent hero. Its unassuming sound can add depth and intrigue to many compositions.

Thanks to its pleasant yet subtle sound and versatility, E/b is often used in various music genres, from classical and jazz to rock and pop. It can elevate a song’s melody or provide an exciting twist.

If you want to master it, read the following guide to the E/B piano chord.

Key Takeaway:

  • The E/B chord is black, white, black
  • Eb major and D# major are the same on the piano
  • The E/B chord has two inversions
  • Many popular songs use the E/B piano chord, such as John Lennon’s “Imagine.”

The E/B Piano Chord Notes

If you want to play the E/B piano chord, a major chord, you must learn the following three notes: Eb, G, and Bb.

If you have trouble remembering, know that the E/B chord is “black, white, black.” For instance, Eb is a black note, G is a white note, and Bb is a black note. 

It is wise to learn the E/B piano chord yourself, as it doesn’t always appear in chord sheets, despite it being a fundamental major chord that could advance your piano skills.

The Correct E/B Piano Chord Finger Positions

Like playing violin, finger positioning matters when playing the piano, and you must perfect it.

To master the major chord, you must start with the standard finger positioning. For instance, you must use your thumb, middle finger, and pinkie on your left and right hand to play the E/B chord.

The hand you use will determine your finger positions. 

For example, when using your right hand, it is best to use the following finger positions:

  • Eb – 1st finger (1)
  • G – 3rd finger (3)
  • Bb – 5th finger (5)

When playing with your left hand, play with the following fingers:

  • Eb – 5th finger (5)
  • G – 3rd finger (3)
  • Bb – 1st finger (1)

Remember that some music pieces or songs may force you to use different fingers when playing Eb.

Where you choose to play the Eb chord is up to you. For instance, you can play high or low in the keys. Pick wherever feels natural for you.

When pressing G, you must play it as the lowest note using your left hand, as it is a bass note. Every other note should be above it, as it will make the chord sound less final. Always play the Eb chord above the Bb, as it is another bass note. 

Eb Major and D# Major Are the Same

When reading music sheets, it might be helpful to know that Eb major and D# major are the same when played on the piano.

The keyboard's repetitive pattern of twelve notes makes the chords enharmonic equivalents. Put another way, the majors sound the same but have different names.

To explain, the Eb major is Eb – G – Bb. 

D# major is D# - F## (double sharp) – G#.

Both contain the same notes and key signatures but are written differently. It depends on whether you name the tonic note Eb or D#.

The Two Inversions of Eb Major

Once you have mastered the root position above, learning inversions for an Eb major will be helpful.

It has two inversions you can learn that could advance your piano skills.

The first inversion starts with G as the lowest note, as it is G, Bb, and Eb.

When using your right hand, you must play the inversion with the following fingers:

  • G – 1st finger (1)
  • Bb – 2nd finger (2)
  • Eb – 5th finger (5)

The second inversion plays Bb as the lowest note, Bb, Eb, and G.

To play it using your right hand, you must place your fingers in the below positions:

  • Bb – 1st finger (1)
  • Eb – 3rd finger (3)
  • G – 5th finger (5)

The E/B Chord Progressions

Many pianists incorporate the E/B piano chord into many chord progressions, as it can add depth and sophistication to a composition.

For instance, you can play the following chord progression sequence, which is popular for jazz and classical pieces: E/B—D—A—E.

Also, many pop and rock genres will use the following chord progression: C – G- D – E/B.

There are endless progressions you can master that could help you expand your skills and develop unique compositions.

Listen to Songs Using the E/B Piano Chord

Many of the world’s biggest and best songs use the E/B chord in their compositions, which elevates the melodies or adds an unexpected twist.

For instance, John Lennon’s “Imagine” famously used the E major and B major chords, which helped create a peaceful and memorable melody and provided the song with more depth and serenity.

Lennon was clearly fond of this chord, which is pivotal to The Beatles’ iconic hit “Let It Be” and contributes to the song’s distinctive yet timeless melody.

However, The Beatles aren’t the only famous band that used the major chord to create an iconic rock song, as it adds layers to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Many modern artists have also incorporated the E/B piano chord into their hit songs, such as Adele’s “Someone Like You” and John Legend’s “All of Me.”

As you become more familiar with the E/B piano chord, you can hear it in your favorite music, which can help you advance your piano skills further and help you play by ear.

Browse our piano sheet music to practice your piano skills.

Conclusion

There is no question the E/B piano chord is one of the most versatile chords you can play, as it can add tension, excitement, and richness to various compositions.

The more you understand the chord and the better you can play it, the stronger pianist you will be. It will open your musical repertoire and help you create more unique melodies on the piano or keyboard.