How to Play a 5 String Eb Chord for Guitar

When learning to play, or compose, songs in flat keys, it is always good to have as many flat key chords in your vocabulary as possible. The 5 string Eb chord is a moderately easy chord to learn that can be used to spice up any flat key song or composition. Since the chord uses all four left-hand fingers, and a half bar on the top three strings, this 5 string Eb chord can also help you to further develop your technical ability.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Lay the left-hand index finger across the first, second and third strings on the third fret. Once all of the other fingers are in place the index finger will sound two notes. The fifth of the chord, Bb, on the third string and the third of the chord, G, on the first string.

2. Place the left-hand pinky finger on the sixth fret of the fifth string to produce the root of the chord, the note Eb.

3. Position the left-hand ring finger on the fifth fret of the fourth string, which is the note G, the third of the chord.

4. Place the left-hand middle finger on the fourth fret of the second string. This is the note Eb, which is the root of the chord.

5. 
    

   Play all five notes at the same time to sound the 5 string Eb chord. Do not attack the sixth string as it will produce a very undesirable sound.

Tips & Warnings

• Stop practicing if the left-hand index finger begins to hurt from holding down the top three strings. Instead, shake out the left-hand and stretch it before returning to practice.

Resources

• Tips for Practicing Chords
• Guitar Player Lesson Page