The Bb chord like other major chords, is a triad and consists of three notes. Since it is a major chord it has a happy, optimistic sound, as opposed to minor chords which create a sad mood.
Like other major chords, B flat major is formed by combining the root note, major third and perfect fifth of the major scale. These notes are B flat, D and F, respectively.
To learn more about this chord and others, check out my course, Piano Chords: How To Form Basic Chords On Piano And Keyboard.
To play a B flat chord in root position (right hand), place your 1st finger (thumb) on Bb, your 3rd finger (middle finger) on D and your 5th finger (little finger) on F. B flat is the black key before middle C. It’s actually one tone before middle C. To arrive at D, move two tones higher than Bb. To arrive at F, move one and a half tones higher than D. If you’re playing by ear, a simple way to put it is to skip two white notes after Bb and place your finger on D, then skip one white note after D and place your finger on F. Play these three notes together and you have a B flat major chord.
To play a Bb major chord in the first inversion (right hand), place your 1st finger on D, your second finger (index finger) on F and your 4th finger on B flat. The second inversion is the more popular way to play the B flat chord because of the fact that it produces a better sound (in my opinion) and fits nicely in the middle of your piano. In this case place your 1st finger on F, your middle finger on Bb, and your 5th finger on D.
The B flat major chord occurs naturally in the following keys:
In the key of Bb major it is chord I. In the relative minor chord, G minor, Bb is chord III.
In the key of F major, Bb is chord IV. In the relative minor chord, D minor, Bb is chord VI.
Lastly, in the key of Eb major, Bb is chord V. In the relative minor chord, C minor, Bb is chord VII.
Learn how to play piano chords with the Piano For All piano course.
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