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Bbm6 Piano Chord

    Piano Diagram of Bbm6 in Root Position

    Bbm6 Chord - Root Position - Piano Diagram

    The Bbm6 is a chord made up of four notes Bb, Db, F, and G. It’s the minor chord built on the key of Bb with an added major 6th interval (G). It belongs to the chord family of “added tone chords” (aka “add chord”) because it has an extra tone added to a minor triad. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the music theory behind this chord.

     


    Structure of Bbm6

    Notes

    Bb, Db, F, G

    Intervals

    R, m3, 5, 6

     

    Finger Position

    Left Hand

    5, 3, 2, 1

    5, 4, 2, 1

    Right Hand

    1, 2, 4, 5

    1, 2, 3, 4

     

    Bbm6 Chord Inversions

    The Bbm6 chord has a total of 3 inversions:

    Root Position: Bb Db F G
    1st Inversion: Db F G Bb
    2nd Inversion: F G Bb Db
    3rd Inversion: G Bb Db F

    Piano Keyboard Diagrams

     

    Bbm6 Chord Equivalencies

    Rearranging the notes of a chord can lead to interesting and unique chord equivalencies. This is especially true for 6th chords, as we can create a different type of chord by rearranging the notes of a minor 6th chord in a specific way.

    If we take the 3rd inversion of a minor 6th chord, where the 6th note becomes the root note, we end up with a minor 7th flat 5th chord (also known as a half-diminished chord).

    For example, let’s take the Bbm6 chord, which consists of the notes Bb, Db, F, and G. By rearranging the notes so that G becomes the root note, we get a Gm7b5 chord with the notes G, Bb, Db, and F.

    3rd Inversion of Bbm6 = Gm7b5

    The reason why the 3rd inversion of a minor 6th chord results in a minor 7th flat 5th chord is due to the note relationships between the chords. When we move the 6th note to become the root note, we end up with a chord that has a minor 3rd, diminished 5th, and a minor 7th interval. These intervals are exactly the same as a m7b5 chord.

    Also, note that the 3rd inversion of a minor 6th chord is a dominant 9th chord without root. In fact, Bbm6 3rd inversion is G, Bb, Db, F which could be considered also an Eb9 (Eb, G, Bb, Db, F) without the root.


    Music Theory and Harmony of Bbm6

    A Bb minor 6th chord consists of four notes, a Bb minor triad, plus a 6th interval. Due to the inclusion of the major sixth interval, represented by the note G, the Bb minor 6th chord generates a sense of tension that can either be resolved by transitioning to a more stable chord or utilized to create a feeling of “uncertain stability.”

     

    Building the Bbm6 Chord: Different Approaches

    Starting from the Bb Major Scale

    To build a minor 6th chord, you would include the root note, minor third, fifth, and sixth from a minor scale.

    However, when teaching this concept, it can be more effective to demonstrate its construction using a major scale. This is because a major scale better illustrates the relationship between intervals and their respective qualities.

    For instance, to build the Bbm6 chord, you can start with the Bb Major scale:

     

    Bb Major Diatonic Scale up to octave

    Bb Major Scale

     

    Bb Major Diatonic Scale up to 13th - Keyless Notation

    Keyless notation of the Bb Major scale.

     

    To create a Bbm6 chord, apply the formula R, m3, 5, 6 in the following manner:

    1. Begin with the Root note, Bb.
    2. Select the 3rd interval D then lower it down by a half-tone to get the minor 3rd, Db.
    3. Include the 5th note, which is F, to the chord.
    4. Finally, add the 6th interval, G.

    By following this simple formula, you can create a minor 6th chord from any major scale.

     


    by Combining Intervals

    One method to create a minor 6th chord is by combining specific intervals – a minor 3rd, a major 3rd, and a major 2nd (a whole-tone).

    m3 + 3 + 2 = minor 6th Chords

    To illustrate, let’s use the Bbm6 chord as an example: by examining the intervals between the notes, we can see that

    • Bb-Db is a minor 3rd interval,
    • Db-F is a major 3rd interval,
    • and F-G is a whole-tone interval.

    These three intervals can be stacked together to create the Bbm6 chord.

     


    How to Use Bbm6 in a Chord Progression

     

    A minor 6th chords can be used as a variation of a minor chords. However, it’s important to understand that the major 6th interval present in this chord may not always be a part of the scale being used.

    on Natural minor Scales

    Minor Scales i ii III iv v VI VII
    Bb Bb min7 ⇒ Bbm6 Cm7b5 Db Maj7 Eb min7 F min7 Gb Maj7 Ab7
    F F min7 Gm7b5 Ab Maj7 Bb min7 ⇒ Bbm6 C min7 Db Maj7 Eb7
    Eb Eb min7 Fm7b5 Gb Maj7 Ab min7 Bb min7 ⇒ Bbm6 Cb Maj7 Db7
    • Non-diatonic Tonic chord in Bb minor
    • Subdominant chord in F minor
    • Non-diatonic Dominant chord in Eb minor

    on Major Scales

    Major Scales I ii iii IV V vi vii
    Ab Ab Maj7 Bb min7 ⇒ Bbm6 C min7 Db Maj7 Eb7 F min7 Gm7b5
    Gb Gb Maj7 Ab min7 Bb min7 ⇒ Bbm6 Cb Maj7 Db7 Eb min7 Fm7b5
    Db Db Maj7 Eb min7 F min7 Gb Maj7 Ab7 Bb min7 ⇒ Bbm6 Cm7b5
    • Supertonic chord in Ab Major
    • Non-diatonic Mediant chord in Gb Major
    • Non-diatonic Submediant chord in Db Major
    Non-diatonic positions

    In the case of the Bb minor 6th chord, the G does not exist in either the Bb natural minor scale or the Db major scale. This is why the Bb minor 6th chord (and any other chords with non-scale tones) are called “non-diatonic.”

    As a result, it is possible that the inclusion of this chord could cause dissonance within a melody or harmonic progression. So, just be careful when you use this chord in your music. Make sure it works well with the other chords and notes so that it makes the whole piece sound better.

     


    Bbm6 Function in Major and Minor Keys

    Understanding Scale Degrees

    Scale degrees are essential for understanding the relationship between the notes in a scale and how they function within chords. The diatonic major scale consists of seven degrees, each with its unique role in creating the overall harmony of the scale.

    1. The first degree of the scale is known as the Tonic, which serves as the anchor for the music. It establishes a stable tonal center that acts as the foundation for the scale.
    2. The second degree is called the Supertonic, often used as a transitional note between the Tonic and other notes in the scale. It creates a sense of motion within the melody or harmony.
    3. The third degree of the scale is the Mediant, which sits halfway between the Tonic and Dominant notes. It helps establish whether the scale is major or minor.
    4. The fourth degree is called the Subdominant, used to complement the Dominant and add tension and resolution to the music.
    5. The fifth degree is the Dominant, which creates tension and anticipation within the melody or harmony, typically resolved by returning to the Tonic.
    6. The sixth degree is the Submediant, often employed as a transitional note between the Dominant and Tonic, adding a sense of stability and restfulness to the music.
    7. The seventh degree is the Leading tone, located one half-step below the Tonic. It creates a strong sense of tension and a desire to resolve to the Tonic, frequently used to create a sense of resolution and finality in the melody or harmony.

     


    Bbm6 in Bb minor (Non-Diatonic)

    The Bb minor 6th chord is a unique and intriguing option as the tonic chord in the Bb natural minor scale, as it creates a complex and ambiguous harmonic center. The presence of the major 6th interval (G) adds tension and dissonance to the chord, creating a sense of instability and uncertainty.

    However, since G is not included in the scale, the Bbm6 may clash with the melody, bass line, or other elements of the music. This dissonance can be used to create a sense of tension, but it can also make the chord difficult to use in certain musical contexts.

    Non-diatonic chords, as the Bbm6 in this case, can be used to modulate between keys or to add harmonic color and contrast to a composition. It can be used as part of a chromatic modulation to move to a related key or to create a sense of chromaticism within the natural minor scale.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    Bb min7 ⇒ Bbm6 Cm7b5 Db Maj7 Eb min7 F min7 Gb Maj7 Ab7

     

    Bbm6 Chord Progressions as i degree

    The following chord progressions are examples of how the Bb minor 6th chord can serve as the tonic chord (i degree). I’ve added a possible voicing but it’s just a suggestion.

     

    i VI VII III
    i VI VII III
    Bbm6

    (Bb, Db, F, G)

    Gb Maj7

    (Bb, Db, F, Gb)

    Ab7

    (Ab, C, Eb, Gb)

    Db Maj7

    (Ab, C, Db, F)

     

    Chromatic modulation
    i iΔ i7 i6
    Bb min

    (Bb, Db, F, Bb)

    Bb min(Maj7)

    (Bb, Db, F, A)

    Bb min7

    (Bb, Db, F, Ab)

    Bbm6

    (Bb, Db, F, G)

     

    i iv VI VII
    i iv VI VII
    Bb min7 | Bbm6

    Bb (Db, F, Ab) | Bb (Db, F, G)*

    Eb min7

    (Bb, Db, Eb, Gb)

    Gb Maj7

    (Gb, Bb, Db, F)

    Ab7

    (Gb, Ab, C, Eb)

    (*Play the root note with your left hand and the notes within the brackets with your right hand.)

     


    Bbm6 in F minor

    The Bb minor 6th can also appear as the subdominant chord in the key of F minor.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    F min7 Gm7b5 Ab Maj7 Bb min7 ⇒ Bbm6 C min7 Db Maj7 Eb7

     

    Bbm6 Chord Progressions as iv degree

    The following chord progressions feature a Bbm6 chord as the subdominant (iv degree):

     

    iv III VI VII
    iv III VI VII
    Bbm9 | Bbm6

    Bb (Db, F, Ab, C) | Bb (Db, F, G, Bb)

    Ab Maj7 Db Maj7 Eb7
    i iv VI v
    i iv VI v
    F min7 Bbm6 | Bbm7 Db Maj7 C min7

     


    Bbm6 in Eb minor (Non-Diatonic)

    The Bbm6 chord can also function as a variation of the dominant chord in the Eb natural minor scale. When used as a dominant minor chord in a minor key, the Bbm6 creates a tense and unresolved sound that conveys a feeling of instability and urgency.

    This chord generates a sense of anticipation and tension in the music as if it is leading somewhere and needs to resolve to the tonic chord (Eb min) to provide a sense of closure.

    In this way, the dominant minor chord acts as a musical bridge that connects the other chords in the progression to the tonic. It contrasts with the tonic chord by creating tension and movement, while the tonic chord represents stability and resolution.

    i ii III iv v VI VII
    Eb min7 Fm7b5 Gb Maj7 Ab min7 Bb min7 ⇒ Bbm6 Cb Maj7 Db7

     

    Bbm6 as v degree – Chord Progressions

    If you want to hear how the Bb minor 6th chord sounds as the dominant (V) chord in the Eb natural minor scale, try playing the following chord progressions. However, it may sound slightly dissonant due to the absence of the 6th (G) in the Eb minor scale. Nevertheless, the Bbm6 chord could be an option for creating certain musical effects.

     

    i iv VI v
    i iv VI v
    Eb min7 Ab min7 Cb Maj7 Bbm7 | Bbm6

     

    i v VI VII
    i v VI VII
    Eb min7 Bbm7 | Bbm6 Cb Maj7 Db7

     

    i VI v iv
    i VI v iv
    Eb min7 Cb Maj7 Bbm7 | Bbm6 Ab min7

     


    Bbm6 in Ab Major

    Besides its use in natural minor scales, the Bbm6 chord can also be played in major keys. In the key of Ab major, for instance, the Bbm6 chord functions as the supertonic chord, located on the second degree of the scale.

    A supertonic minor 6th chord in a major key produces a slightly tense and unresolved sound, creating a feeling of anticipation or expectation as it typically leads to the dominant or subdominant chords.

    I ii iii IV V vi vii
    Ab Maj7 Bb min7 ⇒ Bbm6 C min7 Db Maj7 Eb7 F min7 Gm7b5

     

    Bbm6 Chord Progressions as ii degree

    Try playing the following chord progressions to better understand how the Bbm6 chord functions as the supertonic (ii) chord in the key of Ab major.

     

    ii V I
    ii V I
    Bb min6 Eb7 Ab Maj7

     

     I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    Ab Maj7 Db Maj7 Bbm6 | Bbm7 Eb7 C min7 F min7 Bb min7 Eb7

     


    Bbm6 in Gb Major (Non-Diatonic)

    In addition to its positions in natural minor scales and major keys, the Bbm6 chord can also function as the mediant (iii) chord in the key of Gb major, located on the third degree of the scale.

    The mediant minor chord creates a temporary tonal ambiguity or departure from the established tonality of the key before returning to the tonic chord.

    I ii iii IV V vi vii
    Gb Maj7 Ab min7 Bb min7 ⇒ Bbm6 Cb Maj7 Db7 Eb min7 Fm7b5

     

    Bbm6 Chord Progressions as iii degree

    To better understand how the Bbm6 serves as the mediant (iii) in the Gb major scale, you can try playing the following chord progressions.

     

    I iii IV V
    I iii IV V
    Gb Maj7 Bb min7 | Bb min6 Cb Maj7 Db7

     

    I iii ii V
    I iii ii V
    Gb Maj7 Bb min7 | Bb min6 Ab min7 Db7

     

    I iii vi V
    I iii vi IV
    Gb Maj7 Bb min7 | Bb min6 Eb min7 Cb Maj7

     


    Bbm6 in Db Major (Non-Diatonic)

    The Bbm6 chord can be played on the sixth degree of the Db major scale, functioning as the submediant chord. The submediant chord is typically characterized by a feeling of relaxation and stability in a chord progression.

    However, when the chord is formed using a major 6th interval, it can create a sense of uncertainty or ambiguity. This can add an interesting twist to the otherwise stable and calming effect of the submediant chord.

    I ii iii IV V vi vii
    Db Maj7 Eb min7 F min7 Gb Maj7 Ab7 Bb min7 ⇒ Bbm6 Cm7b5

     

    Bbm6 as vi degree – Chord Progressions

    You can explore the sound of Bbm6 as the submediant chord in the key of Db major by playing the following chord progressions:

     

    I iii vi V
    I iii vi V
    Db Maj7 F min7 Bb min7 | Bb min6 Ab7

     

    I vi ii V
    I vi ii V
    Db Maj7 Bb min6 Eb min7 Ab7

     

     I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    I IV ii V iii vi ii V
    Db Maj7 Gb Maj7 Eb min7 Ab7 F min7 Bb min6 Eb min7 Ab7

     


    Alternative Nomenclature for Bbm6

    • Bb -6
    • Sib -6
    • Sib m6
    • Bb m6th
    • Bb min6
    • Sib min6
    • Bb m(add6)
    • Bb min add 6
    • Bb minor 6th
    • Bb minor sixth

     


    Conclusion

    The chord progressions and examples presented in this post provide a comprehensive overview of the most common uses of the Bb min6 chord. It’s important to note, however, that many advanced harmony-related topics could not be included due to space constraints. These topics include chord progressions built on harmonic and melodic scales, modal scales, hidden tonality, secondary dominants and other chord substitutions, non-functional harmony and atonal music, modal interchange and borrowed chords, voice leading and counterpoint, chromatisms, jazz harmony…I mean, music theory is a huge topic!

    Although I couldn’t cover all of these topics in my post, I encourage readers to continue exploring these areas in their study and research. By expanding your knowledge in these advanced areas of music theory, you can gain a deeper understanding of the harmonic possibilities that exist beyond the basics presented here.

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