Learn › B Flat Minor Chord Inversions (Bbm, Bbm/Db, Bbm/F)
New Released in April 2026
B Flat Minor Chord Inversions (Bbm, Bbm/Db, Bbm/F)
To invert Bbm, move the bottom note up an octave: Bb Db F becomes Db F Bb (1st inversion, Bbm/Db), then F Bb Db (2nd inversion, Bbm/F). Learn to spot each inversion by its shape, then use them to move between chords without jumps.
No account, no download. The demo has limited content. Advanced features are in ChordRunner Premium.
- MIDI keyboard
- Digital or acoustic piano
- Guitar
- Computer, phone or tablet
The three positions of Bbm
Same notes, new bass: that is all an inversion changes.
Root position: Bb Db F
1st inversion: Db F Bb
2nd inversion: F Bb Db
- Root position: starts on Bb, a black key; black keys: Bb, Db
- 1st inversion: starts on Db, a black key; black keys: Db, Bb
- 2nd inversion: starts on F, a white key; black keys: Bb, Db
Inversions in a progression: Bbm → Ebm/Bb → F/A → Bbm
This is the reason pianists learn inversions: Bbm → Ebm/Bb → F/A → Bbm keeps the hand still while the chords change. The common note Bb stays under the same finger.
- From Bbm to Ebm/Bb: Bb stays, Db → Eb, F → Gb.
- From Ebm/Bb to F/A: Bb → A, Eb → C, Gb → F.
- From F/A to Bbm: A → Bb, C → Db, F stays.
Spotting each inversion of Bbm
Look for the fourth: it sits on top in the 1st inversion and at the bottom in the 2nd.
| Position | Bass | Name | Figured bass | Shape (bottom to top) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root position | Bb | Bbm | 5/3 | minor 3rd + major 3rd |
| 1st inversion | Db | Bbm/Db | 6 (6/3) | major 3rd + perfect 4th |
| 2nd inversion | F | Bbm/F | 6/4 | perfect 4th + minor 3rd |
Fingering for each Bbm inversion
| Position | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|
| Root position (Bb Db F) | 1-3-5 | 5-3-1 |
| 1st inversion (Db F Bb) | 1-2-5 | 5-3-1 |
| 2nd inversion (F Bb Db) | 1-3-5 | 5-2-1 |
The 1st inversion is the only one that changes the right hand: 1-2-5, because the fourth sits on top.
Train Bbm inversions in a game
ChordRunner accepts every voicing, so you can drill Bbm/Db and Bbm/F at speed between other chords. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.
Play the demoThe Bbm chord · All piano chords · Chord inversions explained
Common questions
What notes are in the Bbm chord 1st inversion?
Db F Bb, from the bottom up. It is still Bbm; the slash name Bbm/Db tells you that Db is the lowest note.
What is the second inversion of B flat minor?
The 2nd inversion is F Bb Db, written Bbm/F: the fifth, F, is in the bass. Figured bass calls it a 6/4 chord.
Which fingers play Bbm/Db and Bbm/F?
Bbm/Db: right hand 1-2-5 (the fourth F-Bb sits on top), left hand 5-3-1. Bbm/F: right hand 1-3-5, left hand 5-2-1 because the fourth is now at the bottom.
When are Bbm inversions used?
Whenever Bbm follows or precedes a nearby chord. In Bbm → Ebm/Bb → F/A → Bbm the bass walks by small steps and the right hand hardly moves, which is how accompaniments sound smooth.
Can I practise Bbm/Db and Bbm/F with a MIDI keyboard?
Yes. ChordRunner detects a USB MIDI keyboard automatically and also listens through the microphone to an acoustic piano. Every inversion of Bbm is accepted, so you can drill them in any order.
Your instrument is the controller.
ChordRunner is a browser game that teaches piano and guitar chords: a chord appears on screen, you play it on a real instrument, and your runner jumps. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.
Try the demoKeep learning
B Flat Minor Chord on Piano (Bbm)
B flat minor chord on piano (Bbm): notes Bb Db F, keyboard picture, inversions, fingering and the keys it belo…
B Flat Major Chord Inversions (Bb, Bb/D, Bb/F)
B flat major chord inversions on piano: 1st inversion Bb/D (D F Bb), 2nd inversion Bb/F (F Bb D), fingering an…
Chord Inversions Explained
Chord inversions explained simply: root position, first and second inversion, why they matter, and how to dril…
Piano Chord Chart: Every Chord in All 12 Keys
Piano chord chart with the notes of 288 chords: major, minor, 7ths, 9ths, sus and more in all 12 keys. Click a…
Chord Training That Feels Like a Game
Interactive chord training in your browser. Play major, minor, 7th and extended chords on a MIDI keyboard or a…
Master All 12 Major Chords on Piano
Every major chord on piano with notes and fingering, plus an interactive game that drills all 12 until they ar…