Bb7

Q: What notes are in the Bb7 chord?

The Bb7 chord (Bb Dominant 7) contains: Bb, D, F, Ab. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Bb7 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 Bb7 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 Bb7?

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 Dominant 7

Octaves

Musical context

ChordBb majorTriad

ChordBb7Bb Dominant 7

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 Dominant 7
Symbol: Bb7
Root: Bb
Quality: Dominant 7

Chord notes

1Bbroot

3Dmajor 3rd

5Fperfect 5th

b7Abminor 7th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: VDominant (V)Eb major
Stability / tension: High tension — requires resolution
Most common resolutions: EbEb Major CmC Minor
Unstable degrees: 3D
4Eb
resolves up to the resolution tonic
6G
b7Ab
resolves down to the tonic 3rd
Main resolution: Bb7source
EbEb Major
Dominant 7th Bb7 naturally resolves up a 4th to Eb. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.
Other resolutions: Bb7source
Deceptive resolution
CmC Minor
Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.
Bb7source
Modal resolution
AbAb Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
Bb7source
Jazz reharmonization
E7E Dominant 7
Tritone substitution: Bb7 can be replaced by E7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.
Bb7source
Functional resolution
Bbsus4Bb Sus4
The dominant can resolve beyond the tonic: moving to IV (subdominant) or to a suspension (sus4) are common alternatives in pop and folk music.

Substitutions

Tritone substitution: E7E Dominant 7

Features

Character: Dominant, tense
Characteristic interval: Dominant 7th (b7)
Description: The minor 7th adds dissonance to a major triad. On scale degree V, the chord’s 3rd and 7th form a tritone that directs the voices toward tonic.
Application: V chord in major (resolves to I)
12-bar blues
Rock, Mixolydian