Bb7 Chord (Bb dominant 7th) on Guitar
Bb7 (Bb dominant 7th) is made of the notes Bb – D – F – Ab. The easiest guitar fingering is x1013x (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
How to play Bb7
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 1 (Bb).
- Play the 4th string (D) open (D).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1 (Ab).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 3 (D).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
- Do not play the 1st string (high e).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 1 | Bb | R |
| 4th string (D) | 0 (open) | D | 3 |
| 3rd string (G) | 1 | Ab | b7 |
| 2nd string (B) | 3 | D | 3 |
| 1st string (high e) | x (mute) | - |
What is a Bb dominant 7th chord?
A dominant 7th chord adds a minor seventh to a major triad. It is the chord that naturally sits on the fifth degree of a major key.
Notes and formula. Bb7 contains Bb, D, F, Ab. Counted from the root Bb, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), b7 (minor 7th). It is also written A#7; the two names sound identical and the name used depends on the key of the song.
Sound. Bluesy and unresolved. It pulls strongly toward the chord a fourth above, which is why it feels like "the next chord is coming".
Where it is used. Dominant 7ths are the backbone of blues (every chord in a 12-bar blues can be a 7th), plus rock and roll, funk, jazz and country turnarounds.
Tips for playing Bb7
Most dominant 7th shapes are an open or barre major chord with one finger lifted or moved. Practise changing between the major and the 7th to hear the change.
Common mistake: Confusing the 7th with the major 7th. The dominant 7th is bluesy; the major 7th is smooth and dreamy.
Keys that contain Bb7
Bb7 is a diatonic chord, meaning it occurs naturally without accidentals, in these keys:
Try it in a progression: browse chord progressions for every key.
Scales to play over Bb7
Related chords
Bb7 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Bb7 chord?
Bb7 (Bb dominant 7th) contains the notes Bb, D, F, Ab. The formula is R–3–5–b7 relative to the root Bb.
How do you play Bb7 on guitar?
The most common shape for Bb7 is x1013x, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is Bb7 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated beginner. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is Bb7 the same as A#7?
Yes. Bb and A# are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so Bb7 and A#7 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
Which keys contain Bb7?
Bb7 is a diatonic chord in Eb major (V), C minor (VII).
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