How to Play B Flat Major on the Piano

B flat major isn't the most used key on a piano but it is important to know and can be especially helpful when playing with B flat wind instruments such as a clarinet or trumpet. Here is how you construct a basic B flat major chord, which is the fundamental chord of the B flat major key.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Start with the B flat. B flat is a full step below C, so start out by finding middle C. You will then move left, or lower, by two half-steps. B natural is the first white key left of middle C, so B flat is the first black key left of middle C. This is your root for the B flat major chord.
2. Build the triad with D and F. Once you find B flat, place your thumb on your right hand on the key. From here take your third finger counting up from your thumb (your middle finger) and place it on the D. Next, place your fifth finger, the pinkie, on the F key. This will create a basic B flat triad with the root, third and fifth notes of the B flat major scale.
3. Add in your left hand. You will construct the same triad but an octave lower, so find the B flat that is an octave below the B flat you're using for your right hand. You will use the opposite fingering from your right hand, so place your pinky on the B flat. Now take your middle finger and press the D, then press the F with your thumb. Now you have a six-note chord.
4. Practice some different ways to play the chord. The six note chord with two triads is the most simple way to play the chord with both hands, but there are several variations of the chord. For instance, you can leave out the third (the D) on your left hand and it may make the chord sound less muddy or less bass heavy. You can also try inversions such as D, F, B flat or F, B flat, D. These are still B flat major chords, but they will give you a slightly different sound.

Tips & Warnings

• You can change your B flat major chord to B flat minor by dropping the D to a D flat.