Guitar arpeggio

Eb Minor Guitar Arpeggio

Eb Minor is a three-note arpeggio built from Eb, Gb, and Bb. It is also commonly called Eb Minor Triad. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.

Chord tones
Eb, Gb, Bb
Formula
1 b3 5
Semitones
0 3 7
Chord symbols
Ebm, Ebmin
Also called
Eb Minor Triad

How to read this arpeggio

The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent Eb root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.

Use the interactive fretboard to locate the Eb root notes and connect the remaining minor chord tones across standard tuning.

This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called Eb Minor Triad.

Chord construction and defining tones

b3Gb
5Bb

Eb minor combines b3 (Gb) and 5 (Bb). The minor third establishes the minor quality, while the perfect fifth keeps the triad grounded.

Harmonic use

Use this arpeggio to outline Ebm and other minor chords without adding seventh- or ninth-chord color.

Practice this arpeggio on guitar

  1. Play the Eb Minor arpeggio from one Eb root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
  2. Move between the root and b3 (Gb) and 5 (Bb), giving extra attention to the minor third that identifies the chord quality.
  3. Improvise compact phrases over Ebm and finish each phrase on the root, minor third, or fifth.

Fretboard diagram

Eb Minor Guitar Arpeggio fretboard diagram in standard tuning
Eb Minor Guitar Arpeggio fretboard diagram in standard tuning.

Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool

Start with Eb Minor loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Arpeggio diagrams by tuning