E♭ minor major 7th chord on bass (E♭mMaj7)

Why it sounds like that

E♭ minor major 7th is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 7. The minor 3rd between E♭ and G♭ gives the chord its minor quality, while the major 7th between E♭ and D adds a leading tone. Contrast this with E♭ minor, which omits the major 7th.

What goes wrong with E♭ minor major 7th?

• Letting the pinky buzz on the A string at the 13th fret.
• Flattening the ring finger and deadening the D string at the 12th fret.

When to use it

Use E♭ minor major 7th in jazz or fusion lines where the major 7th adds tension. Pair it with E♭ minor or E♭ 5th for contrast.

Changing to and from E♭ minor major 7th

• Sliding the shape down two frets to the 9th fret gives C♯ minor major 7th.
• Sliding the shape down one fret to the 10th fret gives D minor major 7th.

Which voicing to use

The 11th fret position keeps E♭ in the bass for a grounded sound. The E♭minmaj7/D inversion places D in the bass, creating a smoother voice leading into chords like E♭ minor.