E Flat Major Scale (E Flat Ionian) on the Guitar – 5 CAGED Positions, Tabs and Theory

In this article we are going to look at the E Flat Major Scale and how to play it along the guitar fretboard.

The E flat major scale contains three flats:

Eb – Ab – Bb

The seven notes in the E flat major scale are:

Eb – F – G – Ab – Bb – C – D

If you are interested in learning about modes and guitar scales, it should be pointed out that the Eb Major scale is effectively the same scale as the Eb ionian scale. For the purpose of the series of lessons on guitar modes, we are going to treat Eb ionian and Eb Major as an identical scale.

If you are unsure of what a Major scale or ionian mode is, click on the link to the lessons.

Let’s look at the 5 CAGED positions for the Eb Major scale, as well as the open position.

Eb Major Scale In The Open Position

Let’s look at the Eb Major scale in the open position (notes and tabs).

E Flat Major Scale Open Position Frets
E Flat Major Scale Open Position Notes

Eb Major Scale CAGED Positions

Here are the 5 CAGED positions for the Eb Major scale on the guitar (notes and tabs).

Eb Major Scale in the 3rd Position (lowest fret is 3)

E Flat Major Scale 3rd Position Frets
E Flat Major Scale 3rd Position Notes

Eb Major Scale in the 4th Position (lowest fret is 4)

E Flat Major Scale 4th Position Frets
E Flat Major Scale 4th Position Notes

Eb Major Scale in the 7th Position (lowest fret is 7)

E Flat Major Scale 7th Position Frets
E Flat Major Scale 7th Position Notes

Eb Major Scale in the 10th Position (lowest fret is 10)

E Flat Major Scale 10th Position Frets
E Flat Major Scale 10th Position Notes

Eb Major Scale in the 11th Position (lowest fret is 11)

E Flat Major Scale 11th Position Frets
E Flat Major Scale 11th Position Notes

So there we have it. All the positions along the guitar for Eb major.

How to Use the Eb Major Scale

For the purpose of improvising, the Eb Major scale can be used over the Eb Major chord, the Eb Major 7 chord, as well as other chords within the key of D Major.

Chords in the Key of Eb Major

The key of Eb Major contains the following chords (triads and 7th chords):

Modes Of The Eb Major Scale

There are 7 modes in the key of Eb. We can produce these modes by playing the notes of the Eb Major scale, while starting on different notes of the scale. For example, to play the F dorian mode, we start on the note F and then play the notes of the Eb Major scale. To play the C Aeolian mode, we start on C and play through the notes of the Eb Major scale.

Here are the 7 modes in the key of Db Major:

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