Bb Major Triads on Guitar — Shapes & Inversions

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The Bb Major triad is Bb–D–F — R–3–5. Below you'll find all 11 close-voiced shapes within the first 12 frets: every inversion on every string set, color-coded and verified by the engine that powers our trainer.

Bb
R
root
D
3
major third
F
5
perfect fifth
Root position (R in bass)1st inversion (3rd in bass)2nd inversion (5th in bass)

Bb Major triads — all positions

Strings 1·2·3 (e · B · G)

3 5 7 9 12 15 5 3 R R 5 3 3 R 5

Strings 2·3·4 (B · G · D)

3 5 7 9 12 15 3 R 5 5 3 R R 5 3

Strings 3·4·5 (G · D · A)

3 5 7 9 12 15 R 5 3 3 R 5

Strings 4·5·6 (D · A · E)

3 5 7 9 12 15 3 R 5 5 3 R R 5 3

Where Each Inversion Sits

Strings 1·2·3root position — fret 11st inversion — fret 62nd inversion — fret 10
Strings 2·3·42nd inversion — fret 3root position — fret 61st inversion — fret 10
Strings 3·4·51st inversion — fret 32nd inversion — fret 7
Strings 4·5·62nd inversion — openroot position — fret 31st inversion — fret 8
Download PDF — Bb chart (all qualities)Open the full triads chart

How to Practice Bb Major Triads

Play the shapes on one string set from the nut up: root position at fret 1 first, then the next inversion, then the next — say the inversion out loud as you land on it. Then lock one fret region and switch between string sets instead. When the shapes come without thinking, test yourself in the trainer: it will flash Bb Major voicings for you to name, or name them for you to find.

Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the Bb Major triad?

Bb (root), D (major third), F (perfect fifth).

How many Bb Major triad shapes are there on guitar?

Within the first 12 frets there are 11 close-voiced shapes: root position, 1st and 2nd inversions spread across the four three-string sets. Above the 12th fret the same shapes repeat an octave higher.

What is an easy Bb Major triad shape to start with?

Start on strings 1·2·3 with the lowest shape on the neck (root position at fret 1) — three notes, no barre, and the same grip moves to every other key.

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