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Chord & Fret

Bb(b5) — major flat five

Also written A#(b5) — the same chord, spelled the other way.

Notes in Bb(b5): Bb – D – FbFormula: 1 – 3 – b5

In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.

It keeps the major third and lowers only the fifth by a semitone. It is the major triad seen through cracked glass: still recognisable, but something is out of true.

The same chord on all four instruments

Bb(b5), x 1 0 3 3 0Bb(b5)123×BbDBbDE
Guitar
Bb(b5), x 1 0 3 3 0Bb(b5)123×BbDBbDE
Electric guitar
Bb(b5), 2 3 3 0Bb(b5)123EBbDD
Cavaquinho
Bb(b5), 3 2 0 1Bb(b5)321BbDEBb
Ukulele

Where to use it: A rare, modern colour; in practice it shows up far more with the seventh attached, as C7(b5), than on its own.

Every region of the neck hides more shapes of Bb(b5). In Chord & Fret, you check it note by note, playing any shape as an arpeggio; compare positions with their difficulty marked; and change the tuning — the shape rewrites itself. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. Plays offline.

See the whole neck in Chord & Fret →

Part of the Triads family.

Other chords in this family

BbBbBbBbA#mA#mA#mA#mA#dimBbaugA#5

See all chord types and qualities →