A# / Bb Guitar Chord
A# (also written Bb) is a major chord. Major chords sound bright and stable, the most basic chord sound there is. Its notes are Bb, D and F. Below are 2 ways to play it, each with a chord diagram, tab and finger numbers.
Notes in A# / Bb
A# and Bb are two names for the same chord. The notes below are spelled as Bb.
| Note | Degree | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Bb | R | Root |
| D | 3 | Major 3rd |
| F | 5 | Perfect 5th |
Formula: 1–3–5
A# / Bb chord shapes
Finger numbers: 1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 pinky. In the tab, x means don't play that string and 0 means play it open. In the diagrams the top line is the 1st (thinnest) string and the nut is on the left.
A-shape 1fr
Easiest- Tab (6th → 1st string)
- x 1 3 3 3 1
- Fingers
- – 1 3 3 3 1
E-shape 6fr
- Tab (6th → 1st string)
- 6 8 8 7 6 6
- Fingers
- 1 3 4 2 1 1
How to play A# / Bb (easiest shape)
Shape: A-shape 1fr, tab x 1 3 3 3 1 (6th to 1st string).
- 1Lay your index finger (1) flat across the 5th to 1st strings at the 1st fret (a barre).
- 2Press the 4th to 2nd strings at the 3rd fret with your ring finger (3).
- 3Don't play the 6th string.
- 4Strum down from the 5th string to the 1st string.
A# / Bb: common questions
- What notes are in the A# / Bb chord?
- A# and Bb are two names for the same chord. Spelled as Bb, it has 3 notes: Bb, D and F. Counted from the root, that is 1–3–5.
- Is there an easier way to play A# / Bb?
- The easiest shape on this page is "A-shape 1fr" (x 1 3 3 3 1). Every shape on this page is a barre chord. Barre shapes are movable: keep the same hand shape and slide it along the neck to play this type of chord from other roots.
Related chords
Other A#/Bb chords
Relative minor
More guitar tools
See all 231 chords in the chord library, find a scale to play over them, or tune up before you start.