Chord Names

[CommanderKeen]

Hi guys, new member here. I'll introduce myself later, but in the mean time here's a quick question.

In my song I have a sequence of peculiar chords, and now that I'm writing down my song on paper (well in MS-Word actually) I'm at a loss how to name these chords. I could just write down the notes I use (and I have), but I'm still interested in the "proper" names for these chords.

The sequence goes like this: Chord 1 -> Chord 2 -> Bb. Chord 1 and chord 2 are quick chords that resolve into Bb.

Chord 1 uses the notes Db-Eb-F-G.

Chord 2 uses the notes Eb–G-A-Bb.

That's also the inversion they are played in, although a bass guitar plays the notes G and then A, which of course neatly resolves into the following Bb.

So, any idea for a name for these chords?

[Lazz]

A few ideas - but no context.

They cannot be made sense of in isolation from the rest of the song.

,

[john]

ie knowing the key of the song is vital to know so the root note can be identified

[Retrosaurus Rex]

In my song I have a sequence of peculiar chords... interested in the "proper" names for these chords.

The sequence goes like this: Chord 1 -> Chord 2 -> Bb. Chord 1 and chord 2 are quick chords that resolve into Bb.

Chord 1 uses the notes Db-Eb-F-G.

Chord 2 uses the notes Eb–G-A-Bb.

That's also the inversion they are played in, although a bass guitar plays the notes G and then A, which of course neatly resolves into the following Bb.

So, any idea for a name for these chords?

I'll have a bash at it because I like problems like this, and maybe detailing the approach could be helpful...

You mention that the chords go by quick so I'm guessing that these are passing chords, and not necessarily present in the primary key of the song. I notice that both passing chords contain a tri-tone and you mention that they "resolve" to Bb, so it seems like they serve a dominant function.

So, for the first chord it seems like you have Eb9, which would spell complete: Eb-G-Bb-Db-F... you could notate it Eb9/Db.

The second chord I think is easiest to consider a variation of the first in this analysis. If you think of it as an Eb then you have both the 5 (Bb) and the flat-5 (A), so I would probably just call it Eb-alt...

Seat of the pants analysis, based only on what was visible...

[Lazz]

If you think of it as an Eb then you have both the 5 (Bb) and the flat-5 (A), so I would probably just call it Eb-alt...

Eb Alt will use tones from E melodic minor.

.

[Retrosaurus Rex]

Eb Alt will use tones from E melodic minor.

Busted! I was supposed to know that... must think more...

Edit: OK, could you say it's a partial of Eb7#11? I think conventionally you would omit the 5 from this chord, especially in a guitar voicing, but sometimes that close interval rubbing on itself is just what you want... I know in the second chord you lose the Db, so you don't get the full effect of the dominant chord, but the ear might fill that in, having heard the preceding chord...