Bb7 Ukulele Chord
Trying to get the Bb7 chord under your fingers? It is a barre shape, which feels awkward at first but is well worth learning. Your fingers go on the g, C, E and A strings. The steps below show exactly where each one sits.
A two-finger shape. Here is how to play Bb7, step by step.
- Notes: Bb, D, F and Ab
- Frets: 1 2 1 1
- Tuning: g C E A
Bb7 ukulele chord details
- Type
- Dominant 7th
- Also known as
- Bb dominant seventh
- Formula
- 1 3 5 b7
- Intervals
- Bb (root), D (major 3rd), F (perfect 5th), Ab (minor 7th)
- Notes
- Bb, D, F and Ab
- Frets
- 1 2 1 1
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Tuning
- Standard (g C E A)
How to play the Bb7 chord
Here is the Bb7 chord step by step:
- Lay your index finger flat across the g, E and A strings at the 1st fret, a small barre.
- Put your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the C string.
- Strum all four strings.
Roll your index finger slightly onto its bony side so it presses every string evenly. Read how to play bar chords if it keeps buzzing. New to these grids? Have a look at how to read a ukulele chord diagram.
What notes are in the Bb7 chord?
The Bb7 chord is built from four notes: Bb, D, F and Ab (the root, major 3rd, perfect 5th and minor 7th). That flat seventh makes a dominant 7th restless. It leans forward and wants to resolve to the next chord, which is why it turns up all over blues and folk. New to these? Have a read about seventh chords.
Ukulele songs that use the Bb7 chord
Want to go further?
Once Bb7 feels comfortable, its close relatives are worth exploring: try Bbmaj7, Bbm, Bb and Bbsus4. Bb7 pairs most often with F, Eb and Gm, so the few basic chords next to it go a long way. When that feels good, work on switching between chords faster. When you are ready, try some easy ukulele songs.