The Bb Major Scale contains two flats: Bb and Eb.
The notes in the Bb Major scale are:
Bb – C – D – Eb – F – G – A
If you are interested in learning about modes and guitar scales, it should be pointed out that the Bb Major scale is effectively the same scale as the Eb ionian scale. For the purpose of the series of lessons on guitar modes, we are going to treat Bb ionian and Bb Major as an identical scale.
If you are unsure of what a Major scale or ionian mode is, click on the link to the lessons.
Let’s look at the 5 CAGED positions for the Bb Major scale, as well as the open position.
Bb Major Scale In The Open Position
Let’s look at the Bb Major scale in the open position (notes and tabs).
Bb Major Scale CAGED Positions
Here are the 5 CAGED positions for the Bb Major scale on the guitar (notes and tabs).
Bb Major Scale in the 3rd Position (lowest fret is 3)
Bb Major Scale in the 5th Position (lowest fret is 5)
Bb Major Scale in the 6th Position (lowest fret is 6)
Bb Major Scale in the 10th Position (lowest fret is 10)
Bb Major Scale in the 11th Position (lowest fret is 11)
How to Use the Bb Major Scale
For the purpose of improvising, the Bb Major scale can be used over the Bb Major chord, the Bb Major 7 chord, as well as other chords within the key of Bb Major.
Chords in the Key of Bb Major
The key of Bb Major contains the following chords (triads and 7th chords):
- Bb Major/Bb Major 7
- C minor/C minor 7
- D minor/D minor 7
- Eb Major/Eb Major 7
- F Major/F dominant 7
- G minor/G minor 7
- A diminished/A half diminished
Modes Of The Bb Major Scale
There are 7 modes in the key of Bb. We can produce these modes by playing the notes of the Bb Major scale, while starting on different notes of the scale. For example, to play the C dorian mode, we start on the note C and then play the notes of the Bb Major scale. To play the G Aeolian mode, we start on G and play through the notes of the Bb Major scale.
Here are the 7 modes in the key of Bb Major:
