Question 1

What notes are in Bb6?

Accepted Answer

Bb6 is Bb – D – F – G. A major third at the bottom is what makes this bright and settled.

Question 2

Which keys does Bb6 belong to?

Accepted Answer

Every note of Bb6 fits the scale of Eb (V), Bb (I), F (IV). The numeral says which degree the chord sits on, so the same chord does a different job in each of those keys — a I feels like home, a V pulls back towards it.

Question 3

How is Bb6 used in a song?

Accepted Answer

One common place is Eb, in the progression I – V – vi – IV — Eb – Bb6 – Cm – Ab. Play those four in a loop and the role of Bb6 becomes obvious: you can hear where it wants to go next.

Question 4

How many inversions does Bb6 have?

Accepted Answer

3, plus root position. An inversion moves the lowest note up an octave, which keeps the chord the same but changes which note is in the bass — the usual reason is to get from one chord to the next without moving your hand far.

Bb6 piano chord — the keys, the inversions, the theory

Bb6

Inversions of Bb6

Keys that contain Bb6

Questions