All 5 ways to play Bbmaj7 on guitar
-
x13231 at the 1st fret -
x10231 open position -
xxx335 at the 3rd fret -
687766 at the 6th fret -
x-x-8-10-10-10 at the 8th 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 Bbmaj7 on guitar
Main shape: x13231 (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 middle finger (2) on the 2nd fret of the G (3rd) 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).
Bbmaj7 notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| B♭ | 1 | root |
| D | 3 | major 3rd |
| F | 5 | perfect 5th |
| A | 7 | major 7th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: B♭maj7/D (1st inversion), B♭maj7/F (2nd inversion) and B♭maj7/A (3rd inversion).
Bbmaj7, B♭M7 and B♭Δ7 are three ways to write the same major 7th chord. Don't confuse it with B♭m7 (small "m": minor 7th) or B♭7 (dominant 7th).
Easier ways to play Bbmaj7
- Dm uses D, F and A, all notes of B♭maj7; playing it leaves out B♭.
- 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.
Bbmaj7 on piano and ukulele
-
B♭maj7 on piano B♭ – D – F – A -
B♭maj7 on ukulele 3210
Which keys use Bbmaj7?
B♭maj7 is one of the basic chords of 4 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| F major | B♭maj7 | IVmaj7 | predominant |
| D minor | B♭maj7 | VImaj7 | tonic or predominant |
| B♭ major | B♭maj7 | Imaj7 | tonic |
| G minor | B♭maj7 | IIImaj7 | tonic |
Progressions with Bbmaj7
- ii–V–I in B♭ major: Cm7 – F7 – B♭maj7 A cadence that is extremely common in jazz.