Guitar arpeggio
Bb Major 7 Guitar Arpeggio
Bb Major 7 is a four-note seventh-chord arpeggio built from Bb, D, F, and A. It is also commonly called Bb Major Seventh and BbMaj7. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- Bb, D, F, A
- Formula
- 1 3 5 7
- Semitones
- 0 4 7 11
- Chord symbols
- Bbmaj7, BbM7
- Also called
- Bb Major SeventhBbMaj7
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent Bb root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the Bb root notes and connect the remaining major 7 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called Bb Major Seventh or BbMaj7.
Chord construction and defining tones
Bb major 7 is defined most clearly by 3 (D) and 7 (A). The major third sets the chord quality, while the major seventh adds its close, unresolved pull toward the root.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over Bbmaj7 and major-key tonic or major-seventh chords where the natural seventh is present.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the Bb Major 7 arpeggio from one Bb root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Connect 3 (D) and 7 (A) through multiple positions, resolving the major seventh upward to the nearest root.
- Improvise over Bbmaj7 and place the major seventh on a weak beat before resolving it to the root.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with Bb Major 7 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard