Bb Ukulele Chord

Bb is the B flat major chord, also written A sharp. It has three notes: B flat, D and F. The standard shape is usually the first barre a ukulele player meets: index across the E and A strings at the 1st fret, middle and ring stacked above it.

The classic first barre: index across the E and A strings at the 1st fret, middle on the C string at the 2nd, ring on the G string at the 3rd.

How to play Bb on ukulele, step by step

Index finger: press flat across the E to A strings at fret 1
Middle finger: 2nd fret, C string
Ring finger: 3rd fret, G string
Strum all four strings.

Being at the 1st fret makes this barre honest work: the strings are at their stiffest next to the nut. Keep the index snug behind the fret wire and roll it slightly onto its side. It gets easier in weeks, not minutes, and that is normal.

More ways to play Bb

There are 3 common Bb shapes: the standard one at the top of the page, plus these further up the neck. You only ever need one. Tap any card to hear it.

Bb ukulele chord diagram, frets 3 to 6, played 3565 — Frets 3 to 6

Bb ukulele chord diagram, barre at fret 5, played 7565 — Barre at fret 5

If the barre buzzes

The barred E or A string is dead: The index has sagged to the middle of the fret. Slide it up against the fret wire, where far less pressure is needed.
The G string root is quiet: The ring finger is doing the longest reach, to the 3rd fret. Pull the elbow in so the finger arrives on its tip with weight behind it.
The thumb aches: You are squeezing instead of hanging. Drop the thumb to the middle of the neck's back and let the arm's weight lean the index into the strings.

What makes it a Bb

B♭ · D · F 1 3 5

B flat major is the root B flat, the major third D and the fifth F. The standard shape frets everything and puts the root at both ends, low on the G string and again on the barred A string on top.

Bb is the I chord in the key of B flat, the IV chord in F and the V chord in E flat. Those are singer and horn keys, and F is a favourite ukulele key too, which is why Bb earns its place as the first barre worth learning.

Bb vs Bbm

One note moves: the D in Bb falls to D flat in Bbm, trading the major chord's warmth for the minor's ache.

In the shapes the difference is tidy: the C string note drops from the 2nd fret into the 1st fret barre. The index widens to cover three strings, the middle finger lifts off, and the ring finger stays exactly where it was.

Bb chord questions

Is Bb the same chord as A#?

Yes. B flat and A sharp name the same pitch, so the shapes are identical. The flat spelling is the common one because the chord lives in flat keys.

Is Bb really my first barre chord?

For most players, yes. The barre covers only the E and A strings, which makes it the gentlest introduction to the technique the instrument offers.

Can I play Bb without a barre?

Yes. The shape at frets 3 to 6 on this page frets every string with a separate finger. It is a stretch, but nothing lies flat.

What is the difference between Bb and Bbm?

The third: D in Bb, D flat in Bbm. The C string note drops into the barre and the middle finger comes off.

What keys use the Bb chord?

Bb is home in B flat, the IV in F and the V in E flat. Songs from the piano and horn side of pop reach for it constantly.