Bb6

Q: What notes are in the Bb6 chord?

The Bb6 chord (Bb 6th) contains: Bb, D, F, G. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Bb6 on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is Bb6 found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for Bb6?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

Bb 6th

Octaves

Musical context

ChordBb majorTriad

ChordBb6Bb 6th

ArpeggioBb majorBroken triad

ScaleBb major7 notes

KeyBb majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: Bb 6th
Symbol: Bb6
Root: Bb
Quality: 6th

Chord notes

1Bbroot

3Dmajor 3rd

5Fperfect 5th

6Gmajor 6th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: VDominant (V)Eb major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: EbEb Major FF Major GmG Minor
Main resolution: Bb6source
FF Major
Major chord Bb is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions: Bb6source
Deceptive resolution
GmG Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Bb6source
Modal resolution
AbAb Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Bb6source
Jazz reharmonization
Bbmaj7Bb Major 7
In jazz, a major chord is enriched to maj7, 6/9, or add9 and can smoothly transition into a ii-V of another key (modulation).
Bb6source
Functional resolution
FF Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character: Major, with a major 6th and no 7th
Characteristic interval: Major 6th (M6)
Description: The major 6th extends a major triad without seventh-chord dissonance. The chord retains clear major quality and may serve a tonic function.
Application: Tonic chord in jazz and popular music
Endings on I6
5–6 voice leading

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1Bb(Bb4)Bass

root

v2D(D5)M3from Bb

v3F(F5)m3from D

v4G(G5)M2from F

Harmony

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.

ScaleF Yo (Japanese)ScaleG Minor pentatonic ScaleA# Major pentatonic ScaleG Blues scale ScaleD Phrygian ScaleD Aeolian (natural minor)ScaleD Locrian ScaleD Harmonic minor ScaleD Neapolitan minor ScaleF Ionian (major)

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Bb6 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: GmG minor
Dominant: FF major
Subdominant: EbEb major
Key signature: 2 flats (Bb, Eb)

What to learn next

ScaleBb Ionian (major)Scale to improvise over this chord ChordBb MajorA nearby chord on the same root — compare the sound PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions ChordBb Major 7Another related chord to practise

Recommended for you

Bb MajorA chord that sounds close

Bb Major 7A chord that sounds close

Bb Minor 6A chord that sounds close

Bb Ionian (major)A scale related to this chord

Bb LydianA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

Open Trainer

Test yourself

(Press any key to start)

What notes are in the Bb6 chord?

How do I build Bb6 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Bb6 found in?

What can I substitute for Bb6?

Bb6