B♭ major scale
The B♭ major scale, with its two flats (B♭, E♭), is one of the most commonly used scales in wind band and jazz music. This scale is enharmonically equivalent to the A♯ major scale, though B♭ major is almost universally preferred due to its simpler notation.
The scale follows the major scale pattern: B♭ to C (whole), C to D (whole), D to E♭ (half), E♭ to F (whole), F to G (whole), G to A (whole), and A to B♭ (half). The two flats create a warm, balanced sonority.
B♭ major is a standard key for many wind instruments, as many are built as transposing instruments in B♭. This makes it a cornerstone of concert band and jazz repertoire. Its comfortable range and natural fingering patterns have made it a favorite for both composers and performers.
B♭ major scale details
Information and technical details of the scale.
- Category
- western
- Type
- Heptatonic (7 notes per octave)
- Intervals
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1
- Formula
- 2-2-1-2-2-2-1
- Also known as
- B♭ Ionian scale, B♭ Ionian mode, B-flat major scale
- Enharmonic equivalents
Related scales
Here are some scales that are related to the B♭ major scale. Or browse all piano scales.
B♭ harmonic minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-3-1
B♭ melodic minor scale
2-1-2-2-2-2-1
B♭ natural minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-2-2