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 \clef F \key bes \major }
\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 \clef F \key bes \major }
\score { { << \cadenzaOn \scale \context NoteNames \scale >> } \layout { } \midi { } }

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

Scale degree chords

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The scale degree chords of B major are:

Notable classical compositions

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References

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  • Media related to B-flat major at Wikimedia Commons