Bb major · 7 chords · 2♭

Chords in the Key of Bb major

The key of Bb major contains the notes Bb – C – D – Eb – F – G – A. Its seven chords are Bb, Cm, Dm, Eb, F, Gm, Adim.

The seven chords of Bb major

These are the triads built on each note of the Bb major scale. The numerals show where each chord sits in the key: capital letters are major chords, lowercase letters are minor.

Numeral	Chord	Notes	Function
I	Bb	Bb – D – F	Tonic
ii	Cm	C – Eb – G	Supertonic
iii	Dm	D – F – A	Mediant
IV	Eb	Eb – G – Bb	Subdominant
V	F	F – A – C	Dominant
vi	Gm	G – Bb – D	Submediant
vii°	Adim	A – C – Eb	Leading tone

Seventh chords in Bb major

Adding the seventh gives a richer, more open sound. These are the seventh chords that fit Bb major.

Bbmaj7 Cm7 Dm7 Ebmaj7 F7 Gm7 Am7b5

Key signature of Bb major

Bb major has 2 flats: Bb, Eb.

The relative minor of Bb major is G minor: it uses exactly the same notes and chords, but feels more serious.

How to use the chords of Bb major

Most songs in a major key start and end on the I chord and lean on the IV and V chords. Try I–IV–V first, then add the vi chord for a more emotional sound.

Chord progressions in Bb major

Popular progressions written out in Bb major:

I-V-vi-IV: Bb – F – Gm – Eb
I-IV-V: Bb – Eb – F
12-Bar Blues: Bb7 – Bb7 – Bb7 – Bb7 – Eb7 – Eb7 – Bb7 – Bb7 – F7 – Eb7 – Bb7 – F7
I-vi-IV-V (50s progression): Bb – Gm – Eb – F
vi-IV-I-V: Gm – Eb – Bb – F
ii-V-I: Cm7 – F7 – Bbmaj7

Scales to play in Bb major

Bb Major Scale Bb Major Pentatonic Scale Bb Mixolydian Scale

FAQ

What chords are in the key of Bb major?

The chords in Bb major are Bb, Cm, Dm, Eb, F, Gm, Adim, which are chords I – ii – iii – IV – V – vi – vii° of the key.

What is the relative minor of Bb major?

It is G minor. The two keys share exactly the same notes and chords.

How many sharps or flats are in Bb major?