Bbmaj7

Q: What notes are in the Bbmaj7 chord?

The Bbmaj7 chord (Bb Major 7) contains: Bb, D, F, A. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Bbmaj7 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 Bbmaj7 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 Bbmaj7?

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 Major 7

Octaves

Musical context

ChordBb majorTriad

ChordBbmaj7Bb Major 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 Major 7
Symbol: Bbmaj7
Root: Bb
Quality: Major 7

Chord notes

1Bbroot

3Dmajor 3rd

5Fperfect 5th

7Amajor 7th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: IVSubdominant (IV)F major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: EbEb Major FF Major GmG Minor
Unstable degrees: 7A
1Bb
resolves up to the root
Main resolution: Bbmaj7source
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: Bbmaj7source
Deceptive resolution
GmG Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Bbmaj7source
Modal resolution
AbAb Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Bbmaj7source
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).
Bbmaj7source
Functional resolution
FF Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Substitutions

Parallel: Bbm7Bb Minor 7
Relative: Gm7G Minor 7

Features

Character: Major, with major-7th tension
Characteristic interval: Major 7th (M7)
Description: The major 7th lies a semitone below the octave and creates dissonance without forming a dominant tritone.
Application: I and IV in jazz/pop
Neo-soul, romantic ballads
Light pop