E♭ 5th chord on guitar (E♭5)

Why it sounds like that

E♭ 5th is built from the 1st and 5th degrees of the E♭ major scale, giving the formula 1–5. The perfect fifth interval produces the hollow, neutral sound of a power chord. Compare it with E♭ major, which adds the major third G for a complete major triad.

What goes wrong with E♭ 5th?

• The 6th string sounds because the thumb does not mute it.
• The 2nd string rings open when the fretting hand fails to mute it.
• The 4th string buzzes because the middle finger is too far from the fret.

When to use it

E♭ 5th functions as the tonic in E♭ major progressions like E♭–A♭–B♭ (I–IV–V) or E♭–B♭–Cm–A♭ (I–V–vi–IV). Its neutral fifth suits rock, punk, and metal rhythm parts. Use it with E♭ major and B♭ major for a full major sound.

Changing to and from E♭ 5th

• Sliding the shape down one fret to the 5th fret gives D 5th.
• Sliding the shape up one fret to the 7th fret gives E 5th.

Which voicing to use

The 6th fret position is the default and works well for barre chord progressions. The 11th fret position moves the shape up the neck for a higher voicing. The E♭5/A♯ inversion puts the fifth in the bass, giving a less rooted, more open sound.