How to Play Guitar in the Key of D-Sharp/E-Flat

The key of E-flat (rarely known as D-sharp) is another moderately uncommon key. Many songs on rock CDs have been transposed down from E to E-flat, however, so it's good to know this key to learn some of your favorites.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Guitar Amplifiers
• Guitar Cables
• Guitar Cases
• Guitar Picks
• Guitar Slide
• Guitar Stands
• Guitar Straps
• Guitars
• Metronome
• Set Of Guitar Strings
• Sheet Music For Guitar

The E-Flat Chord

1. Review and memorize the names of the strings. Lowest to highest, they are E-A-D-G-B-E.
2. Lay your index finger across the sixth fret, pressing down firmly on all of the strings.
3. Place your middle finger on the eighth fret of the D string.
4. Place your ring finger on the eighth fret of the G string.
5. Place your pinky on the eighth fret of the B string.
6. Strum the chord downward, the lowest strings toward the highest.

The A-Flat, B-Flat and C-Minor Chords

7. Lay your index finger firmly across all the strings on the fourth fret to begin the A-flat chord.
8. Place your middle finger on the fifth fret of the G string.
9. Place your pinky on the sixth fret of the D string.
10. Place your ring finger on the sixth fret of the A string.
11. Strum the strings downward to play the A-flat chord.
12. Lay your index finger across the first fret, pressing down firmly on all of the strings to begin the B-flat chord.
13. Place your middle finger on the third fret of the D string.
14. Place your ring finger on the third fret of the G string.
15. Place your pinky on the third fret of the B string.
16. Strum the strings downward to play the B-flat chord.
17. Lay your index finger firmly across all the strings on the third fret to begin the C-minor chord.
18. Place your middle finger on the fourth fret of the B string.
19. Place your ring finger on the fifth fret of the D string.
20. Place your pinky on the fifth fret of the G string.
21. Strum the strings downward to play the C-minor chord.

The Key of B-Flat

22. Freely strum the sequence E-flat, A-flat, B-flat. Disregard tempo and meter for now.
23. Strum each chord four times repeating the sequence of E-flat, A-flat, B-flat.
24. Strum E-flat four times, A-flat two times and B-flat two times and repeat.
25. Repeat Step 24 while keeping a steady tempo. Use a metronome if accessible.
26. Strum E-flat four times, A-flat two times and B-flat four times.
27. Strum each chord two times.
28. Strum E-flat two times, A-flat two times, C-minor four times and B-flat four times.
29. Experiment with your own variations and progressions.

Tips & Warnings

• It is very important to keep your index finger firmly against the fret board for all the chords in this key. All notes should sound out equally; you shouldn't get a buzzing sound.
• Instead of stretching three fingers out over the third fret, you can bend your ring finger across the third fret of the D, G and B strings when playing the B-flat chord.
• If you experience a buzzing sound from the guitar, your fingers may not be pressed down all the way or might be touching the actual frets.
• Don't learn this key first. Practice G, C, D and A thoroughly before moving on to other keys.