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Chord & Fret

D#(b5) — major flat five

Also written Eb(b5) — the same chord, spelled the other way.

Notes in D#(b5): D# – F## – AFormula: 1 – 3 – b5

In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.

It keeps the major third and lowers only the fifth by a semitone. It is the major triad seen through cracked glass: still recognisable, but something is out of true.

The same chord on all four instruments

D#(b5), x 6 5 0 4 5D#(b5)44213×EbGGEbA
Guitar
D#(b5), x 6 5 0 4 5D#(b5)44213×EbGGEbA
Electric guitar
D#(b5), 5 0 4 7D#(b5)4213GGEbA
Cavaquinho
D#(b5), 0 3 3 0D#(b5)12GEbGA
Ukulele

Where to use it: A rare, modern colour; in practice it shows up far more with the seventh attached, as C7(b5), than on its own.

Every region of the neck hides more shapes of D#(b5). In Chord & Fret, you hear every shape strummed string by string, in each instrument's own voice; open every variation on the neck, grouped by bass note; and set a capo — the diagrams redraw above it. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. Plays offline.

See the whole neck in Chord & Fret →

Part of the Triads family.

Other chords in this family

EbEbEbEbD#mD#mD#mD#mD#dimEbaugD#5

See all chord types and qualities →