What are the chords in the key of Bb Major?

The seven diatonic chords in the key of Bb Major are: Bb, Cm, Dm, Eb, F, Gm, Am. These correspond to the Roman numerals I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii.

What are common chord progressions in the key of Bb Major?

Two of the most popular progressions in Bb Major are the I–V–vi–IV (Bb – F – Gm – Eb) and the I–IV–V–I (Bb – Eb – F – Bb). These appear in countless pop, rock, and folk songs.

Chords in the Key of Bb Major

The key of Bb Major contains seven diatonic chords: Bb, Cm, Dm, Eb, F, Gm, Am. Use the interactive generator below to build progressions, hear them played back with drums and accompaniment, and export to MIDI.

Diatonic Chords in Bb Major

iii

vii

Relative Minor

The relative minor of Bb Major is G Minor. Both keys share the same set of notes and diatonic chords, but centre on a different tonic — making G Minor the natural choice for a darker or more melancholic feel.

Modes of Bb Major

Every mode below is built from the same seven notes as Bb Major, starting on a different scale degree.

Bb MajorI – ii – iii – IV – V – vi – vii

C Doriani – ii – III – IV – v – vi – VII

D Phrygiani – II – III – iv – v – VI – vii

Eb LydianI – II – iii – iv – V – vi – vii

F MixolydianI – ii – iii – IV – v – vi – VII

G Minori – ii – III – iv – v – VI – VII

About A♯ / Bb

Bb Major (two flats) is one of the most important keys in jazz, blues, and brass-band music. The Bb blues scale is fundamental to jazz improvisation, and countless standards are called in this key at jam sessions.

For trumpet, clarinet, and tenor saxophone — all Bb transposing instruments — playing in concert Bb Major means reading in C Major, which simplifies sight-reading enormously. This practical advantage has cemented Bb's place in wind-ensemble and marching-band repertoire.

Beyond jazz and classical, Bb Major frequently appears in pop and R&B. Its slightly mellow quality compared to brighter sharp keys gives ballads and mid-tempo grooves a smooth, polished feel.