B-flat major

B-flat major
{ \magnifyStaff #3/2 \omit Score.TimeSignature \key bes \major s16 \clef bass \key bes \major s^"" }
Relative keyG minor
Parallel keyB-flat minor
Dominant keyF major
Subdominant keyE-flat major
Component pitches
B♭, C, D, E♭, F, G, A

B-flat major is a major scale based on B♭, with pitches B♭, C, D, E♭, F, G, and A. Its key signature has two flats. Its relative minor is G minor and its parallel minor is B-flat minor.

The B-flat major scale is:

\header { tagline = ##f } scale = \relative b { \key bes \major \omit Score.TimeSignature bes^"B♭ natural major scale" c d es f g a bes a g f es d c bes2 \clef F \key bes \major } \score { { << \cadenzaOn \scale \context NoteNames \scale >> } \layout { } \midi { } }

Changes needed for the melodic and harmonic versions of the scale are written in with accidentals as necessary. The B-flat harmonic major and melodic major scales are:

\header { tagline = ##f } scale = \relative b { \key bes \major \omit Score.TimeSignature bes^"B♭ harmonic major scale" c d es f ges a bes a ges f es d c bes2 } \score { { << \cadenzaOn \scale \context NoteNames \scale >> } \layout { } \midi { } }
\header { tagline = ##f } scale = \relative b { \key bes \major \omit Score.TimeSignature bes^"B♭ melodic major scale (ascending and descending)" c d es f g a bes as ges f es d c bes2 } \score { { << \cadenzaOn \scale \context NoteNames \scale >> } \layout { } \midi { } }

Many transposing instruments are pitched in B-flat major, including the most common types of clarinet and trumpet, along with the tenor saxophone and soprano saxophone. As a result, B-flat major is one of the most common keys for concert band compositions.

Scale degree chords

The scale degree chords of B♭ major are:

Notable classical compositions

References

  1. ↑ de Ghize, Susan (2022-12-08). "10. Transposing Instruments". Steps to Music Theory. Mary and Jeff Bell Library at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. ISBN 979-8-9874569-0-3. Retrieved 29 July 2026.
  2. ↑ Cacavas, John (1975). Music Arranging and Orchestration. Alfred Music. p. 138. ISBN 978-1-4574-9377-5.