Julie Swihart

Major Chords

Let’s look at how to play a B flat major chord on the piano. We’ll also learn the pattern for building any other major chord.

What Are Major Chords?

We can build major chords using the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale.

You can learn the pattern for building a major scale here.

How to Play a B Flat Major Chord on the Piano

So to play a B flat major chord, we’ll play the first, third and fifth notes of the B flat major scale: B♭ – D – F

We can use this pattern to build any other major chord! All we need to do is play the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale.

One way to play creatively with major chords is to use inversions. Inversions are lots of fun to use, because they give us lots of options for playing the same chord in many places all over the piano! You can learn all about inversions and how to play them here.

Chord Types Printable

Learn to play 17 types of piano chords using 12 different root notes with this 34-page PDF! Chords are sorted both by their root note (C, D, E, etc.) and type (major, minor, augmented, diminished, etc.).

Get the Printable

Conclusion

Now you know how to play a B flat major chord on the piano, and you can use this pattern to build any other major chord!

Piano chords are a wonderful way to learn and enjoy music!