A phrase in D♭ minor
- C♯m
- E
- A♭7
- C♯m
Hear E in a tonic–chord–dominant–tonic phrase. Its role depends on its position, not just its quality.
Discover the chord. Understand the music.
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Selected:E4A♭4B4
- Root
- 3rd / sus
- 5th
- 7th
- 6th / extensions
E
E major
A root, a major third and a perfect fifth — the bright, stable triad.
- Chord tones
- E1 · RootG♯3 · 3rdB5 · 5th
- Formula
- 1–3–5
- Root / bass
- E / E
- Notes played (low → high)
- E4 · A♭4 · B4
E · major
How to Use This Chord
Sound & role
Can provide stability as a tonic, or connection and tension elsewhere in a key.
Genre examples
Pop
Folk
Rock
Examples of musical settings, not restrictions or claims about how often this chord appears.
Connection & passing potential
No specific chromatic passing use is established by these notes alone. A passing function requires a starting chord, a destination and voice movement.
Diatonic context · example keys
Every chord tone fits these example keys. Other keys may also fit; the chord root is not assumed to be the tonic.
D♭ minor · III
natural minor
E major · I
major