Bb Chinese scale
A pentatonic scale, 1–3–#4–5–7, with a major 3rd and augmented 4th; a bright sound with Lydian tension.
Octaves
Musical context
How the scale relates to the chord, mode, key and progression.
Theory
General info
- Name
- Bb Chinese scale
- Family
- Pentatonic scales
- Note count
- 5
- Step formula
- 4 – W – H – 4 – H
- Numeric formula
- 0-4-2-1-4-1
Notes & degrees
1Bbroot
3Dmajor 3rd
#4Eaug 4th
5Fperfect 5th
7Amajor 7th
Construction
- Overview
- A pentatonic scale, 1–3–#4–5–7, with a major 3rd and augmented 4th; a bright sound with Lydian tension.
- Application in music
- The major 3rd establishes a major tonic, while the augmented 4th creates Lydian tension toward the perfect 5th.
- Interval formula
- Bb2WDWEHF2WA
Tensions & resolutions
Stable degrees
IBbpoint of resttonic
VFsupports the tonic sonorityfifth
Typical resolutions & tensions
VIIAA
IBbBb
In typical voice leading, the leading tone rises by semitone to tonic.
This scale on guitar 🎸
See how Bb Chinese scale looks on guitar.
Circle of fifths
The major key on the same tonic and its neighbouring keys on the circle of fifths.
Connections
Practice
Keyboard Trainer
Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.