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Bb Minor Chord

Bbm places a minor third (D flat) between B flat and F. It is i in its own minor key, while the same notes can serve as vi in the relative major.

  • Notes: B flat-D flat-F
  • Symbol: Bbm
  • i in Bb minor
  • Minor third
Switch chordBbm

How to play a Bb minor chord

Notes: Bb - Db - F · symbol Bbm

  • Root position

    Bb - Db - F
    C4C5
    Right hand 1-3-5 · Left 5-3-1

  • 1st inversion

    Db - F - Bb
    C4C5
    Right hand 1-2-5 · Left 5-3-1

  • 2nd inversion

    F - Bb - Db
    C4C5
    Right hand 1-3-5 · Left 5-2-1

Where does Bb minor belong?

The three notes come from the B flat minor scale, so this chord can act as its home base.
Play the role cards to hear how its surrounding chords change the job it does; Diatonic Chords explains the basic numbered roles.

  • In Bb minorHome
    i

    The resting point of Bb minor. The major V before it makes the return feel final.

    BbmiEbmivFVBbmi
  • In Db majorThe relative minor
    vi

    Same notes as Db major, a darker color. The vi in countless pop songs.

    DbIBbmviGbIVAbV
  • In Ab majorThe start of ii-V-I
    ii

    The first step of the most common move in jazz, heading to Ab.

    BbmiiEbVAbI
  • In Gb majorA soft stand-in
    iii

    It shares two notes with Gb, so it can replace the I without leaving home.

    GbIBbmiiiCbIVDbV

Progressions to try

  • BbmEbmFBbm

    The major V gives this minor-key return a clear pull into Bbm.

  • BbmGbDbAb

    The bVI and bVII chords keep the loop moving without the strong V-to-i return.

  • DbBbmGbAb

    Here Bbm is vi in Db major, a relative-minor turn away from the major tonic.

  • BbmEbAb

    Bbm begins a ii-V-I in Ab major; follow the bass as it reaches the final chord.

Which shape should you use?

On guitar, start with x13321, a barre at the 1st fret. Press the barred notes evenly and mute any strings marked x. The 688666 shape gives you another position when the neighboring chords sit elsewhere on the neck.

On ukulele, start with 3111, played at the 1st fret. The 6564 grip moves the chord to another register.

On piano, play B flat-D flat-F. Move B flat up an octave to reach the first inversion, D flat-F-B flat; the notes remain the same while the lowest voice changes.

What are the inversions?

B flat is the root, D flat the minor third three semitones above it, and F the fifth seven semitones above it.

  • Root position: B flat-D flat-F, with B flat lowest.
  • First inversion: D flat-F-B flat, written Bbm/Db if D flat is lowest in the whole arrangement.
  • Second inversion: F-B flat-D flat, written Bbm/F if F is lowest in the whole arrangement.

A slash chord names the note in the bass, not merely the lowest note under one hand. Chord Inversions shows how to read that distinction.

How does Bb major differ?

Keep B flat and F in place, then raise D flat to D. That single change turns Bbm into Bb. Try that one-note change on piano, then use the comparer to hear it in the full chord. See Bb for the other chord's full spelling and roles.

  • Bbm

    Bb - Db - F
    C4

    Bb minor

  • Bb

    Bb - D - F
    C4

    Bb major

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