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Bb6 Chord

Bb6 keeps the B flat major triad and adds G, its sixth. It can finish a phrase with more color than the plain triad without becoming a seventh chord.

  • Notes: B flat-D-F-G
  • Symbol: Bb6
  • I6 in Bb major
  • Added sixth
Switch chordBb6

How to play a Bb6 chord

Notes: Bb - D - F - G · symbol Bb6

  • Root position

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

  • 1st inversion

    D - F - G - Bb
    C4C5
    Right hand 1-2-3-5 · Left 5-4-2-1

  • 2nd inversion

    F - G - Bb - D
    C4C5
    Right hand 1-2-4-5 · Left 5-3-2-1

  • 3rd inversion

    G - Bb - D - F
    C4C5
    Right hand 1-2-4-5 · Left 5-3-2-1

Where does Bb6 belong?

The extra sixth belongs to the major scale and colors the chord without changing its major third.
Play the role cards to hear how its surrounding chords change the job it does; Diatonic Chords explains the basic numbered roles.

  • In Bb majorSoft home
    I6

    A home chord with the sixth added: finished, but less plain than a triad.

    EbIVFVBb6I6
  • In F majorWarm step away
    IV6

    The IV of F major with a sixth for extra warmth.

    FIBb6IV6CVFI

Progressions to try

  • EbFBb6

    After the approach chords, Bb6 lands on the tonic with an added sixth rather than a plain triad.

  • FBb6CF

    The IV chord carries the sixth here; compare it with the unextended chords around it.

Which shape should you use?

On guitar, the open shape x10031 is the easiest place to start. The barre shape x-13-12-12-15-13, at the 12th fret, moves the chord up the neck and sits well between other barre chords. x-x-8-10-8-10 gives you another position higher up.

On ukulele, the open shape 0211 is the easiest place to start. 3535 gives a higher version.

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

What are the inversions?

B flat, D and F make the major triad; G adds the sixth.

  • Root position: B flat-D-F-G, with B flat lowest.
  • First inversion: D-F-G-B flat, written Bb6/D if D is lowest in the whole arrangement.
  • Second inversion: F-G-B flat-D, written Bb6/F if F is lowest in the whole arrangement.
  • Third inversion: G-B flat-D-F, written Bb6/G if G 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 Bb6 differ from Bb?

Remove only G and Bb6 becomes Bb. The major third stays, so this is an added note, not a replacement. 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.

  • Bb6

    Bb - D - F - G
    C4

    Bb major 6

  • Bb

    Bb - D - F
    C4

    Bb major

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