How to play the Ebm7b5 chord on guitar

The Ebm7b5 chord, pronounced "E flat minor seven flat five" or simply "E flat half-diminished," is a versatile chord with a somber, jazzy sound. It's commonly used in jazz progressions and can add a sophisticated touch to various genres. The chord is notable for its unique voicing and ability to create smooth transitions between chords, making it a favorite among guitarists and composers alike.

The most common way to play the Ebm7b5 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 6th fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a Ebm7b5 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 6th fret, forming a 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.

Strum all six strings together to play the Ebm7b5 chord. Make sure to apply enough pressure with your index finger to properly fret all the strings in the barre.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Ebm7b5 chord, try this:

Fret the 6th string at the 6th fret with your 1st finger, the 4th string at the 6th fret with your 2nd finger, and the 5th string at the 7th fret with your 3rd finger. Leave the other strings open.

The most popular barre chord shape for Ebm7b5 is quite difficult for beginners, as it requires more advanced barre chord technique and finger stretching. The open chord version is recommended for beginner guitarists.

The Ebm7b5 chord, also known as the half-diminished seventh chord, adds a haunting and melancholic flavor to chord progressions, often serving as a connecting chord between more stable harmonies. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the Ebm7b5 chord:

• i7 - iv7 - VII7 - III7 (Em7 - Am7 - D7 - G7)
• i7 - iv7 - Vø7 - i7 (Em7 - Am7 - Bm7b5 - Em7)
• i - Vø7 - i - Vø7 (Em - Bm7b5 - Em - Bm7b5)
• iim7b5 - V7alt - im7 (F#m7b5 - B7alt - Em7) Used in "Round Midnight" and "Solar"
• im7 - Vø7 - II7 - V7 (Em7 - Bm7b5 - F#7 - B7)

To master the Ebm7b5 chord, start by practicing the chord shape repeatedly until you can switch to it smoothly from other chords. Focus on maintaining proper pressure and avoiding buzzing or muted strings.

Next, try incorporating the Ebm7b5 into chord progressions you already know. This will help you develop muscle memory and train your ears to recognize its unique sound. Experiment with different strumming patterns and rhythms to add variety and challenge yourself. With consistent practice, you'll soon be playing the Ebm7b5 with confidence in your favorite songs.

Here are 6 popular songs you can play with the Ebm7b5 chord.

1. All The Things You Are by Jerome Kern (Fm7, Bbm7, Eb7, Abmaj7, Dbmaj7, G7, Cmaj7, Ebm7b5, A7b9, Dm7, G7b9, Cmaj7)
2. Misty by Erroll Garner (Ebmaj7, Ebm7, Ebm6, Fm7, Bbm7, Eb7, Abmaj7, Bb7, Gmaj7, Ebm7b5, A7b9, Dm7, G7, Cmaj7, Cm7, Bo7, Bbmaj7, Gm7, C7, Fm7, Abm7, Db7)
3. On Green Dolphin Street by Bronisław Kaper (Ebmaj7, Ebm7, Fm7, Bbm7, Eb7, Abmaj7, Db7, Cmaj7, A7b9, Dm7, G7, Ebm7b5, Cm7, F7, Bbmaj7)
4. Cry Me A River by Arthur Hamilton (Cm7, Bm7b5, Bbm7, Am7b5, Abm7, Fm7, Bb7, Gm7b5, Ebmaj7, C7)
5. Stella By Starlight by Victor Young (Bbmaj7, Gm7, Cm7, Dm7b5, G7b9, Cm7, F7, Dm7b5, G7, Cm7, F7, Bbmaj7, Ebm7, Bbm7, Eb7, Abmaj7, Am7b5, D7, Gm7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7)
6. Autumn Leaves by Joseph Kosma (Cm7, Fm7, Bb7, Ebmaj7, Abmaj7, Dm7b5, G7, Cm7, B7b9, Bbmaj7, Ebm7, Cm7, Fm7, Gm7b5, C7b9)