Major, first inversion chord
Level 3: Inversions
Notes: B♭, D, F · Bass note: D · Open position
Also known as: B♭/D, Bb/D, B♭ over D, Bb over D, B♭ major over D, B♭ slash D, B♭ first inversion
Fretting hand for left-handed players (your right hand), B♭/D. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.Fretting hand for right-handed players (your left hand), B♭/D. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.
- 1Index
- 2Middle
- 3Ring
- 4Pinky
- TThumb, behind the neck
How to play B♭/D
- Place your first finger on the first fret of the high E string.
- Place your third finger on the third fret of the G string.
- Place your fourth finger on the third fret of the B string.
- Strum only the D, G, B and high E strings.
Tips for new players
- Keep your thumb behind the neck and let your fingers arch.
- Press just behind the fret, not on top of it, so every string rings clearly.
- Play the basic chord first, then this inversion, and listen to how smoothly the bass note moves.
Chord video
Watch B♭/D, step by step
A short animation that builds the B♭/D chart and explains every symbol on it.
- X marks a string that is muted or not played.
- Open circle marks a string you play without fretting.
- Numbered dot marks a fretted string. The number is the finger to use.
Learn and practice B♭/D
Practice progression
B♭, B♭/D
Switch between B♭ and B♭/D until the changes feel smooth.