Scale degrees · E major
The ♭3 of E is G
The ♭3 (flat three, written b3) of E is G: a minor third above the root.
E — the root, 1G — the ♭3
How to find it
Count letters first, the root included: E, F, G. A 3rd lands on G.
Then the sound: a minor third is 3 semitones above E, which is exactly where G is — no sharp or flat needed.
Where you meet it
The ♭3 makes a chord minor: E minor is the root, G and the 5th. Over a dominant chord the same key on the piano is usually written as the ♯9, with another letter.
In E minor:
E · G · B
The ♭3 in every key
| Key | The ♭3 |
|---|---|
| C | E♭ |
| G | B♭ |
| D | F |
| A | C |
| E | G |
| B | D |
| F♯ | A |
| D♭ | F♭ |
| A♭ | C♭ |
| E♭ | G♭ |
| B♭ | D♭ |
| F | A♭ |
Every degree of E
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