Chords in the Key of Bb minor
The key of Bb minor contains the notes Bb – C – Db – Eb – F – Gb – Ab. Its seven chords are Bbm, Cdim, Db, Ebm, Fm, Gb, Ab.
The seven chords of Bb minor
These are the triads built on each note of the Bb minor 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 | Bbm | Bb – Db – F | Tonic |
| ii° | Cdim | C – Eb – Gb | Supertonic |
| III | Db | Db – F – Ab | Mediant |
| iv | Ebm | Eb – Gb – Bb | Subdominant |
| v | Fm | F – Ab – C | Dominant |
| VI | Gb | Gb – Bb – Db | Submediant |
| VII | Ab | Ab – C – Eb | Subtonic |
Seventh chords in Bb minor
Adding the seventh gives a richer, more open sound. These are the seventh chords that fit Bb minor.
Key signature of Bb minor
Bb minor has 5 flats: Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb.
The relative major of Bb minor is Db major: it uses exactly the same notes and chords, but feels brighter.
How to use the chords of Bb minor
Most songs in a minor key start and end on the i chord and lean on the iv and v chords. Try borrowing the major V chord to make the ending pull harder toward the home chord.
Chord progressions in Bb minor
Popular progressions written out in Bb minor:
- i-VI-III-VII: Bbm – Gb – Db – Ab
- Andalusian Cadence (i-VII-VI-V): Bbm – Ab – Gb – F
- i-iv-v (minor blues): Bbm – Ebm – Fm
- i-VI-VII: Bbm – Gb – Ab
Scales to play in Bb minor
Related keys
FAQ
What chords are in the key of Bb minor?
The chords in Bb minor are Bbm, Cdim, Db, Ebm, Fm, Gb, Ab, which are chords i – ii° – III – iv – v – VI – VII of the key.
What is the relative major of Bb minor?
It is Db major. The two keys share exactly the same notes and chords.
How many sharps or flats are in Bb minor?
Bb minor has 5 flats: Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb.
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