Bbmaj7 Ukulele Chord

Bbmaj7 is the B flat major seventh chord. It has four notes: B flat, D, F and A. The standard shape is a small barre: the index lies across the E and A strings at the 1st fret while the middle and ring take the 2nd fret above it.

A small index barre across the E and A strings at the 1st fret, with middle and ring stacked on the 2nd fret above it. Fully movable.

How to play Bbmaj7 on ukulele, step by step

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

Nothing in this grip uses an open string, so the whole shape slides: two frets up it is Cmaj7. This is the movable maj7 grip worth owning, because it turns twelve chords into one hand position.

More ways to play Bbmaj7

There are 3 common Bbmaj7 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.

Bbmaj7 ukulele chord diagram, frets 3 to 5, played 3555 — Frets 3 to 5

Bbmaj7 ukulele chord diagram, frets 5 to 7, played 7560 — Frets 5 to 7

If the barre will not speak

One of the barred strings buzzes: The index only has to cover the E and A strings. Roll it slightly onto its outer edge so the firmer bone side presses both, and keep its tip from wandering onto the C string.
The middle and ring fingers crowd the 2nd fret: They sit on neighbouring strings at the same fret. Stagger them diagonally, middle behind ring, so each tip lands its own string cleanly.
The chord sounds sour: Check the ring finger is at the 2nd fret of the C string, not the 3rd. One fret too far turns the third into a fourth and the chord stops being major.

What makes it a Bbmaj7

B♭ · D · F · A 1 3 5 7

Bbmaj7 is a major seventh chord: a B flat major triad (B flat, D, F) plus a major seventh (A). The A sits one half step under the root, giving the chord the soft, lit from inside quality that all maj7 chords share.

Bbmaj7 is the I chord of B flat major and the IV chord of F major. B flat is a horn and piano key, the home of a great deal of jazz and soul, and this small movable grip is how a ukulele visits it without any open string help.

Bb vs Bbmaj7

B flat major is 3211 and Bbmaj7 is 2211: one finger moves one fret on the G string. The doubled root at the 3rd fret becomes an A at the 2nd, and the chord trades its firm landing for a glow.

The G string carries the whole seventh story here: 1st fret makes Bb7, 2nd fret makes Bbmaj7, 3rd fret makes plain B flat. Same barre underneath all three.

Bbmaj7 chord questions

Are Bbmaj7 and A#maj7 the same chord?

Yes, one chord with two names. Charts nearly always write Bbmaj7, because B flat is a working key and A sharp major is a spelling exercise.

Is the barre in Bbmaj7 hard?

It is the friendliest kind: only two strings, the E and A, at the 1st fret. It is most players' first barre, and it transfers directly to plain B flat.

What is the difference between Bbmaj7 and Bb7?

The note on the G string. Bb7 has an A flat at the 1st fret pulling toward E flat; Bbmaj7 has an A natural at the 2nd, resting in place.

Is the Bbmaj7 shape movable?

Yes. 2211 has no open strings, so sliding it up plays every major seventh chord: Cmaj7 two frets up, Dmaj7 four.

What keys use Bbmaj7?

It is the I chord of B flat major and the IV chord of F major, both everywhere in jazz, soul and older pop.