Bb/D on guitar: B flat with D in the bass
Bb/D is the B flat major chord (B♭, D, F) with its 3rd, D, as the lowest note: the 1st inversion of Bb. The notes are the same as in Bb; only the one at the bottom changes.
- Notes
- B♭DF
- Bass
- D 3rd of the chord
How to play Bb/D on guitar
-
Shape 1 · 1st position
-
Shape 2 · fret 3 · barre
-
Shape 3 · fret 5 · barre
-
Shape 4 · fret 8
-
Shape 5 · fret 10
Where Bb/D shows up
With the 3rd in the bass, the bass line can move by step. The classic case: Eb → Bb/D → Cm, with the bass walking down E♭, D, C.
Other positions of Bb
Frequently asked questions
What does Bb/D mean?
Bb/D reads "Bb over D": you play Bb and the lowest note is D. In a chord symbol, whatever comes after the slash is always the bass.
What is the difference between Bb/D and Bb?
The notes are the same (B♭, D, F); only the lowest one changes. With D in the bass, Bb is in 1st inversion, and the bass line can move by step between chords.
How do you play Bb/D on guitar?
The shapes on this page go from easiest to hardest. In all of them D is the lowest note; the low strings that would sound below it are not played (x).