Imperial polychord (E♭m(maj7)/G): how to play it on guitar

Imperial polychord (E♭m(maj7)/G): guitar chord

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Standard

The Empire Strikes Back, 1980 · John Williams · nearest shape for the hand

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E♭m(maj7)

E♭m(maj7)/G Standard

4 strings

FamousThe Empire Strikes Back1980 · John Williams

Two chords at once: E♭ minor over G minor

The Imperial March's own harmony (G minor against E♭ minor) stacked into one chord; Lehman lists it as a stand-alone 'leitharmony' in every film, especially Return of the Jedi and Revenge of the Sith

Two minor chords stacked a major third apart, E♭ minor on top of G minor, sharing only the note B♭. It freezes the Imperial March's signature move, G minor sliding to E♭ minor, into one chord, so the villain's harmony can be heard without his tune. The half-step clashes, D against E♭ and G against G♭, give it its cold, menacing colour.

Also called Imperial, Imperial March polychord, E♭ minor over G minor

Sources: Frank Lehman, Complete Catalogue of the Musical Themes of Star Wars (updated 19 June 2023), theme 10b-g (Imperial March continued), 10g 'Polychord' · Mark Richards, 'John Williams Themes, Part 3 of 6: The Imperial March', Film Music Notes

Chord clock

What’s in it

R E♭♭3 G♭5 B♭7 D

About this shape

Lowest note: E♭3, the root
Highest note: G♭4, the ♭3rd
Stretch: 3 frets
Fingers: 4 fingers

Where it sits on the neck

Fingering not checked by a guitarist yet.

Imperial polychord (E♭m(maj7)/G): guitar chord

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Imperial polychord (E♭m(maj7)/G): guitar chord

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