Eb Ukulele Chord
Eb on ukulele is 0-3-3-1: barre the 3rd fret across the C and E strings with your middle finger, put your index finger on the 1st fret of the A string and leave the g string open. It is a barre shape, which feels awkward at first but is well worth learning. You will also see it written as D#, D sharp major.
- Notes: Eb, G and Bb
- Frets: 0 3 3 1
- Tuning: g C E A
Eb ukulele chord details
- Type
- Major triad
- Also known as
- D#, or Eb major
- Formula
- 1 3 5
- Intervals
- Eb (root), G (major 3rd), Bb (perfect 5th)
- Notes
- Eb, G and Bb
- Frets
- 0 3 3 1
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Tuning
- Standard (g C E A)
How to play the Eb chord
Here is the Eb chord step by step:
- Lay your middle finger flat across the C and E strings at the 3rd fret, a small barre.
- Put your index finger on the 1st fret of the A string.
- Leave the g string open.
- Strum all four strings.
Roll your index finger slightly onto its bony side so it presses every string evenly. Read how to play bar chords if it keeps buzzing. New to these grids? Have a look at how to read a ukulele chord diagram.
Is there an easier way to play Eb?
Not really. 0-3-3-1 is already the simplest playable shape for Eb on a ukulele; every alternative either needs more fingers or sits higher up the neck. If it still feels awkward, the tips above are the fix.
What notes are in the Eb chord?
The Eb chord is built from three notes: Eb, G and Bb (the root, major 3rd and perfect 5th). Major chords are the bright, happy ones, which is why so many singalong songs are built on them. Curious which chords sit together in a song? See which chords share a key.
Ukulele songs that use the Eb chord
The Eb chord belongs to A♭ Major (the V), E♭ Major (the I), B♭ Major (the IV), F Minor (the VII), C Minor (the III) and G Minor (the VI). Each key page shows the rest of that family, the progressions that use it and songs to play.
Want to go further?
Once Eb feels comfortable, its close relatives are worth exploring: try Eb7, Ebmaj7, Ebm and Ebsus4. Eb pairs most often with Bb, Ab and Cm, so the few basic chords next to it go a long way. Then put it into a strumming pattern. When you are ready, try some easy ukulele songs.