B♭ major is a key you’ll find yourself running into quite a bit. So, if you’re looking to expand your musical knowledge, you’ve come to the right place!
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about B♭ major. We’ll explore the B♭ major scale, its key signature, the chords that naturally occur within the key, and some popular examples of B♭ major in music.
Ready to dive in and get a better handle on the B♭ major chord and how it fits into the big picture?
The B♭ major scale and key signature
Scales and keys are the foundation of music, so it’s helpful to know a little about the B♭ major scale and key signature.
The notes of the B♭ major scale
The B♭ major scale consists of these notes: B♭, C, D, E♭, F, G, and A.
The major scale follows this formula: whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half.
The B♭ major key signature
The key of B♭ major has two flats: B♭ and E♭.
To find the tonic in a key signature with flats, look at the second-to-last flat. That’s your tonic.
Related keys and scales
The relative minor of B♭ major
The relative minor of B♭ major is G minor. Knowing the relationship between major and relative minor keys can help you with composition and improvisation.
Enharmonic equivalence
B♭ major and A♯ major are enharmonically equivalent, meaning they sound the same. However, B♭ major is usually preferred because its key signature is simpler.
Playing the Bb major scale on piano
Like any scale, playing the B♭ major scale on piano requires some specific techniques:
- Finger patterns: There are particular fingerings that make playing the scale easier.
- Hand position: Using the correct hand position and finger technique will help you play the scale smoothly.
- Practice: It takes regular practice to develop the finger dexterity and musicality needed to play any scale well.
Chords in the key of B♭ major
The diatonic chords in B♭ major are built using only the notes found within the B♭ major scale. This produces a set of chords that naturally sound good together.
The chords you’ll find most often are:
- B♭ major (I)
- C minor (ii)
- D minor (iii)
- E♭ major (IV)
- F major (V)
- G minor (vi)
- A diminished (vii°)
Knowing these chords lets you create common and pleasing chord progressions in B♭ major.
Understanding the B♭ Major Chord
Let’s break down the B♭ major chord:
- Chord Construction: At its most basic, the B♭ major chord is a triad. That means it’s made up of three notes: B♭, D, and F.
- Intervals: These notes are arranged as a root (B♭), a major third (D), and a perfect fifth (F).
- Importance: The B♭ major chord is super important because it is the tonic chord in the key of B♭ major. It’s the foundation for tons of songs!
B♭ Major Chord Inversions
Like all musical chords, the B♭ major chord can be played in different inversions. Here’s what that looks like:
B♭/D (First Inversion)
- Notes: D, F, and B♭
- Fingering: LH 5-3-1, RH 1-2-5
B♭/F (Second Inversion)
- Notes: F, B♭, and D
- Fingering: LH 5-3-1, RH 1-3-5
Ready to learn more about playing the piano? Check out this article on how to play a C chord!
What songs are in B♭ Major?
You might be surprised how many popular songs use the key of B♭ Major!
Here are some examples:
- Classical: Schubert’s Ave Maria, Wagner’s Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin
- Popular Music: Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody (the first section), Elton John’s Rocket Man
- Other: The Star Wars main theme, The Star Spangled Banner
Final Thoughts
B♭ major is a key you’ll encounter in many different styles of music. It’s worth taking the time to learn the B♭ major scale, its key signature, the chords built on that scale, and the inversions of those chords.
Digging deeper into B♭ major in the music you love will improve your understanding of music theory and help you express yourself more creatively.