All 5 ways to play Bb7 on guitar
-
x13131 at the 1st fret -
x10131 open position -
686766 at the 6th fret -
x-x-8-10-9-10 at the 8th fret -
x-13-12-13-11-x at the 11th fret
Diagrams: strings run from the lowest on the left; X = don't play, O = open string, numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger).
How to play Bb7 on guitar
Main shape: x13131 (at the 1st fret).
- Lay your index finger (1) flat across the strings from the A (5th) to the high E (1st) string at the 1st fret (a barre).
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 3rd fret of the D (4th) string.
- Put your little finger (4) on the 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Don't play the low E (6th) string (marked X).
- Strum from the A (5th) string down (5 strings).
Bb7 notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| B♭ | 1 | root |
| D | 3 | major 3rd |
| F | 5 | perfect 5th |
| A♭ | ♭7 | minor 7th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: B♭7/D (1st inversion), B♭7/F (2nd inversion) and B♭7/A♭ (3rd inversion).
Easier ways to play Bb7
- In rock songs, the B♭5 power chord (B♭ and F only) can stand in: it has no 3rd, so it is neither major nor minor.
Bb7 on piano and ukulele
-
B♭7 on piano B♭ – D – F – A♭ -
B♭7 on ukulele 1211
Which keys use Bb7?
B♭7 is one of the basic chords of 2 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| E♭ major | B♭7 | V7 | dominant |
| C minor | B♭7 | VII7 | dominant |
| D♯ minor | A♯7 | V7 | dominant (harmonic minor) |
Progressions with Bb7
- ii–V–I in E♭ major: Fm7 – B♭7 – E♭maj7 A cadence that is extremely common in jazz.
- 12-bar blues in F major: F7 – F7 – F7 – F7 – B♭7 – B♭7 – F7 – F7 – C7 – B♭7 – F7 – C7 Twelve bars of I, IV and V with dominant 7th chords: one of the most prominent progressions in popular music.
- iiø–V–i in D♯ minor: E♯m7♭5 – A♯7 – D♯m7 The minor ii–V–i of jazz.