Click on the chord symbol for a diagram and explanation of each chord type:
B♭ | B♭m | B♭sus2 | B♭sus4 | B♭maj7 | B♭m7 | B♭7 | B♭dim7 | Bm7♭5
Chord Symbol: B♭ or B♭maj
The B♭ major triad consists of a root (B♭), third (D), and fifth (F). The distance between the root and the third is a major third interval (or four half-steps), and the distance between the third and the fifth is a minor third interval (or three half-steps). Major triads have a “happy” sound.
Chord Symbol: B♭m
The B♭ minor triad consists of a root (B♭), third (D♭), and fifth (F). The distance between the root and the third is a minor third interval (or three half-steps), and the distance between the third and the fifth is a major third interval (or four half-steps). Minor triads have a “sad” sound.
Chord Symbol: B♭sus2
In the B♭sus2 chord, the third of the B♭ major or minor chord (D or D♭) is replaced (“suspended”) with a major 2nd (C).
Chord Symbol: B♭sus4
In the B♭sus4 chord, the third of the B♭ major or minor chord (D or D♭) is replaced (“suspended”) with a perfect 4th (E♭).
Chord Symbol: B♭maj7
A major 7 chord is a major triad with an added seventh. The distance between the root and the seventh is a major 7th interval.
Chord Symbol: B♭m7
A minor 7 chord is a minor triad with an added seventh. The distance between the root and the seventh is a minor 7th interval.
Chord Symbol: B♭7
A dominant 7th chord is a major triad with an added seventh, where the distance between the root and the seventh is a minor 7th interval.
You can also think of dominant 7th chords as being built on the fifth note of a major scale and following that scale’s key signature. For example, B♭7 is built on B♭, the fifth note of E-flat major, and follows E-flat major’s key signature (B♭, E♭, A♭).
Chord Symbol: B♭dim7
A diminished 7th chord is a four-note-chord where each note is a minor third apart. You can think of diminished 7th chords as a “stack of minor thirds.”
Chord Symbol: B♭m7♭5
The half-diminished chord is also called the “minor seven flat five” chord. It is a minor 7th chord where the fifth is lowered by a half-step.
Subscribe to The Note for exclusive interviews, fascinating articles, and inspiring lessons delivered straight to your inbox. Unsubscribe at any time.
Charmaine Li is a Vancouver writer who has played piano for over 20 years. She holds an Associate diploma (ARCT) from the Royal Conservatory of Music and loves writing about the ways in which music—and music learning—affects the human experience. Charmaine manages The Note. Learn more about Charmaine here.
By signing up you’ll also receive our ongoing free lessons and special offers. Don’t worry, we value your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time.
/marketing/pianote/lead-gen/digital-chords-and-scales/blog-exit.webp)
Grab a FREE E-Book with every Chord and Scale you’ll need to play your favorite songs.
Enter your email and we’ll send your book instantly.
Don’t worry, we value your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time.
