What is the B-Flat Chord?
Major chords are the most common chords in Western popular music. It's no surprise since they sound happy, are easy to learn and fun to play. Learning major chords is essential to being able to play your favorite songs. The B-flat (Bb) major chord is formed from the first, third, and fifth notes of the Bb major scale. The notes, from lowest to highest are Bb, D and F.
How to Play the B-Flat on the Piano
If you have ever wanted to master playing the B flat chord on the piano then "How to Play the B Flat on the Piano" is just the video for you. You can master playing this chord courtesy of pianist, Lindsey Cloud and Mahalo.com. Lindsey can be seen playing the chord close-up, also learn by listening to Lindsey's commentary. This video is one of a series focusing on how to learn to play the piano, published on the Mahalo.com channel of YouTube.
How to Play the B-Flat Chord
In the video, Lindsey shows you how to play the B flat major chord. Start by placing your right thumb on the root (Bb). Now place your middle finger on the third (D). Finally, place your little finger on the fifth (F). Play all three notes at the same time. Make sure you play each note at the same volume.
Use the B-Flat Major Chord in Songs and Chord Progressions
Any time that a song calls for a Bb chord, you will now know how to play one. For practice, try using the Bb chord in songs. Have fun!
References
Meet Our Experts
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Lindsey Cloud
Meet Lindsey Cloud, one of Mahalo's piano experts. A musician in Los Angeles, she received her bachelor's degree in music from Rhodes College. She currently works as a regular studio session musician and, since 2006, has been a private piano teacher for students of all ages and skill levels.
In Theory
Any major triad (3 note chord) consists of the root, major third and perfect fifth of its corresponding major scale.
In the key of B-flat major, the root is Bb, the major third is D and the perfect fifth is F.
Major triads can also be seen as a combination of two intervals: a minor third (3 half-steps) on top of a major third (4 half-steps).http://www.tonalcentre.org/Majmintriads.html
B flat major triads should not be confused with 4-note B flat major seventh chords.
