B♭ Dominant Seventh Chord

Chord Tones: B♭ Dominant Seventh Chord

Symbol: 7 — Formula: 1-3-5-♭7

Chord Notation

Roman numeral (e.g. I, IV, V) and Nashville Number notation are key-dependent. See Keys pages for chord function within specific keys.

Inversions

Harmonic Function

The B♭ dominant seventh chord commonly functions as the subtonic (♭VII) in C major or subdominant in F major. Its harmonic role varies by key — in major keys it provides extended harmonic tension.

The dominant seventh chord is the most harmonically active chord in Western music. Its tritone between the third and flat seventh creates strong tension that resolves naturally to the tonic. The B♭ Dominant Seventh Chord specifically contains 4 notes: B♭, D, F, A♭ (formula: 1-3-5-♭7). On piano, Bb-rooted chords start on a black key and create hand shapes that jazz pianists find ideal for voicing seventh chords and extended harmonies. Jazz standards, swing, and big band charts are heavily weighted toward Bb because it allows horn sections to play in their most comfortable range.

Common Progressions

The B♭ Dominant Seventh Chord frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):

• V7-I
• ii-V7-I

Songs Featuring the Dominant Seventh Chord

Well-known songs where the B♭ Dominant Seventh Chord — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:

• Johnny B. Goode – Chuck Berry
• Sweet Home Chicago – Robert Johnson
• Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra

Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments

Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.

Scales Containing the B♭ Dominant Seventh Chord

These scales include the B♭ Dominant Seventh Chord as a diatonic or characteristic chord: