Getting to know the B flat chord may seem a bit tricky at first but you’ll soon get the hang of it with a little help from Skoove. In this article we will look at how to play the Bb major triad as well as all of its inversions and what fingerings to use. We will also look at common chord progression in Bb and some great songs that use this chord so you can master it in no time. Let’s get learning!
How to play the Bb major chord in root position
To play the B flat major chord you need three notes: Bb, D and F. First find Bb, the last black key in the group of three black keys. Once you’ve found Bb add a D and an F. Play them all together and you’ll hear a B flat major triad.
The notes in a Bb major chord are Bb, D and F.
These notes are called: the root (Bb), third (D) and fifth(F).
To play this chord in its root position (basic form) with your right hand, use these fingers:
- F – Fifth finger (5)
- D – Third finger (3)
- Bb – Thumb (1)
For the left hand, use the following fingers:
- F – Thumb (1)
- D – Third finger (3)
- Bb – Fifth finger (5)
What are the inversions of a Bb major chord?
The inversions of the Bb major chord are made by changing the order in which the notes are stacked. Chord inversions mean that you can play the same chord with a slightly different feeling and sound. Let’s break them down and learn how to play them.
How to play Bb major 1st inversion?
To play the first inversion of the B flat major, start with D as the bottom note. Next, play F above it and then add Bb as the top note. You will hear that this gives the chord a fresh sound.
For the right hand, use these fingers:
- Bb – Fifth finger (5)
- F – Second finger(2)
- D – Thumb (1)
For the left hand, use these fingers:
- Bb – Thumb (1)
- F – Third finger (3)
- D – Fifth finger (5)
How to play Bb major 2nd inversion?
To play B flat major in second inversion, start with F as the lowest note. Then play Bb above it and finally add D as the highest note. This inversion is ideal for setting up a sense of resolution in your songs.
For the right hand, use these fingers:
- D – Fifth finger (5)
- Bb – Middle finger (3)
- F – Thumb (1)
For the left hand, use these fingers:
- D – Thumb (1)
- Bb – Third finger (3)
- F – Fifth finger (5)
Common chords progressions in the key of Bb major
B flat major chord progressions are found all over the place and in many genres of music. A B flat major chord progression uses chords like Bb, Eb, F and Gm. Here are some beginner friendly B flat major chord progressions for you to try:
- Bb – Eb – F – Bb
- Bb – Gm – Eb – F
- Bb – Eb – Gm – F
- Bb – F – Gm – Eb
As you can hear these progressions offer a range of moods from uplifting to dramatic. They are a great way to put your new knowledge of piano chords to the test. If you’re ready to learn more check out Skoove’s tailor-made beginner chord progression courses.
Popular songs to play with the Bb major piano chord
Here are some popular songs that use the B♭ major chord, perfect for starting to practice and get comfortable with it!
Autumn leaves – Joseph Kosma
Cheek to Cheek – Irving berlin
Piano chords generator
💡 If you are reading this from a mobile device, rotate it to display the tool in full width.
1. Click on “Chords”
2. Choose the “Root” of the chord
3. Choose the “Chord qualities” (major, minor, etc.)
4. Click “Display”
Author of this blog post:
Matthew Dickman
With over a decade of experience in music education Matthew holds a BA in Music from Paul McCartney’s LIPA and an MA in Composition from the University of Salford. Mathew has developed a distinctive compositional voice and approach to music theory education through his research and work in the music industry. Matthew’s writing for Skoove combines experience from orchestral and media composition, and as a gigging jazz musician, to create a wholistic and accessible pedagogy for musicians of any level. Away from music, he enjoys reading and exploring nature to expand his horizons and knowledge contributing to his holistic teaching style.
