Definition of B-flat major
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.
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:
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.
Terms mentioned above
Related terms
A-sharp minor
A-sharp minor is a minor musical scale based on A♯, consisting of the pitches A♯, B♯…
E-flat minor
E-flat minor is a minor scale based on E♭, consisting of the pitches E♭, F, G♭, A♭, B♭…
F minor
F minor is a minor scale based on F, consisting of the pitches F, G, A♭, B♭, C, D♭, and…
E-flat major
E-flat major is a major scale based on the note E♭, consisting of the pitches E♭, F, G…
C-flat major
C-flat major is a major scale based on C♭, consisting of the pitches C♭, D♭, E♭, F♭, G♭…
F major
F major is a major scale based on F, with the pitches F, G, A, B♭, C, D, and E. Its key…
C-sharp major
C-sharp major is a major scale based on C♯, consisting of the pitches C♯, D♯, E♯, F♯…
C major
C major is a major scale based on C, consisting of the pitches C, D, E, F, G, A, and B…
F-sharp minor
F-sharp minor is a minor scale based on F♯, consisting of the pitches F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯…
Frequently asked questions
What is B-flat major?
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.