The B♭ Major 6 chord is a four-note chord made up of B♭, D, F, and G.
Construction
B♭ Major 6 = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 6th = B♭ · D · F · G
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| B♭ | Root | 1 |
| D | Major 3rd | 3 |
| F | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| G | Major 6th | 6 |
B♭ Major 6 Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | B♭ – D – F – G |
| 1st Inversion | D – F – G – B♭ |
| 2nd Inversion | F – G – B♭ – D |
| 3rd Inversion | G – B♭ – D – F |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the B♭ Major 6 is the tonic (I) chord of Bb Major, whose key signature has 2 flats (B♭, E♭).
B♭E♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Chords in the Key of B♭ Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the B♭ major scale:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes B♭ – D – F – G aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
B♭ Major 6 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the B♭ Major 6 chord on piano?
The B♭ Major 6 chord contains the notes B♭ – D – F – G. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the Bb Major 6 chord?
Bb6 contains: Bb, D, F, G. Major triad with major sixth.
How does Bb6 differ from Bbmaj7?
Bb6 has G (sixth). Bbmaj7 has A (seventh).
How does Bb6 differ from Gm7?
Same notes, different root.
How is Bb6 used?
Vintage jazz, swing, big band. Bb is a standard jazz and brass key.
What songs use Major 6th?
Swing, big band.
Can I substitute Bb6 for Bb Major?
Yes.