Key of Bb - The Bb Major Scale

Notes in the Bb Major Scale:

BbCDEbFGA

The key of Bb contains 7 notes: Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G, A.This major key has a bright, uplifting sound and is one of the most common keys in popular music.

Chords in the Key of Bb

I
I
Bb major
ii
ii
C minor
iii
iii
D minor
IV
IV
Eb major
V
V
F major
vi
vi
G minor
vii°
vii°
A diminished

Common Chord Progressions

I - V - vi - IV
Pop progression
I
Bb major
→
V
F major
→
vi
G minor
→
IV
Eb major
I - IV - V
Classic rock
I
Bb major
→
IV
Eb major
→
V
F major
I - vi - IV - V
50s progression
I
Bb major
→
vi
G minor
→
IV
Eb major
→
V
F major
ii - V - I
Jazz cadence
ii
C minor
→
V
F major
→
I
Bb major
Bb Major Scale Pattern

The Bb Major scale follows the pattern of W-W-H-W-W-W-H (whole and half steps).

Scale formula: Bb - C - D - Eb - F - G - A

Key signature: 2 flats

Understanding the Key of Bb

Scale Degrees

Each chord in the key is built on a scale degree. Roman numerals show the chord's position in the scale. Uppercase = major chords, lowercase = minor chords.

Tonic Chord

The I chord (Bb major) is the tonic - the "home" chord that provides resolution and stability.

Dominant Chord

The V chord (F major) creates tension that naturally wants to resolve back to the tonic.