🎵 Learn to Play Recorder
Lesson 25: Key of Bb Major
  • Master the Bb major scale (two flats: Bb and Eb)
  • Develop fluency in reading two-flat key signatures
  • Navigate fork fingerings for flatted notes smoothly
  • Play mellow, lyrical melodies characteristic of Bb major

Introduction

Bb major, with two flats (Bb and Eb), is a mellow, warm key beloved by wind instrument players. It sits beautifully on recorder and is common in folk songs, hymns, and Classical-era music.

Bb Major Scale

Bb major has two flats: Bb and Eb. Remember the order of flats: Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Cb-Fb

Both flats (Bb and Eb) create the major scale pattern from Bb.

Finger Patterns in Bb Major

Get comfortable with these essential Bb major fingerings:

Key fingerings:

  • Bb: Fork fingering (0 1 - 3 - - - -) - you learned this in Lesson 11
  • Eb: Fork fingering (0 1 2 - 4 5 6 7) - you learned this in Lesson 18

The Bb major chord (Bb-D-F) forms the harmonic foundation.

Scale Pattern Exercises

Move smoothly through the scale, emphasizing the fork-fingered Bb and Eb.

Skip through the scale in thirds for coordination.

Fork Fingering Drill

The fork fingerings for Bb and Eb can be tricky. Practice these transitions:

Focus on clean, quick transitions to and from fork fingerings.

Tip: Keep fingers close to holes. Minimize motion for speed.

Melody: Auld Lang Syne (Bb Major)

The famous Scottish tune works perfectly in Bb major's warm tonality.

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot..."

Relative Minor: G Minor

Bb major's relative minor is G minor (same two flats).

Same flats as Bb major, but starting from G creates a minor character.

Reading in Bb Major

Key Signature: Two flats appear on B and E lines/spaces at the beginning of each staff.

  • Every B = Bb (unless cancelled)
  • Every E = Eb (unless cancelled)
  • Natural signs (♮) temporarily cancel flats

Practice reading with two flats automatically.

Historical Context

Bb major in music history:

  • Common in Classical and Romantic wind music
  • Favored by Mozart and Beethoven for wind instruments
  • Associated with gentle, pastoral, or lyrical character
  • Common in hymns, folk songs, and chorales

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Forgetting Eb - Players often remember Bb but forget Eb!
  • ❌ Weak fork fingerings - Ensure holes are fully covered
  • ❌ Playing B or E natural by accident - Always check the key signature
  • ❌ Inconsistent tone on Bb and Eb - These notes may sound different; adjust air support

Practice Routine (25 minutes daily)

  1. Bb major scale (two octaves) - 6 minutes
  2. Bb major arpeggio and thirds - 5 minutes
  3. Fork fingering drill - 6 minutes
  4. Auld Lang Syne and other Bb melodies - 8 minutes
Tip: When you see two flats in a key signature, the key is either Bb major or G minor. To determine which: check if the music ends on Bb (major) or G (minor), and whether it feels bright (major) or dark (minor).
Mastery goal: Play the Bb major scale fluently in two octaves with both flats (Bb and Eb) automatic. Execute fork fingerings for Bb and Eb smoothly and consistently. Read simple melodies in Bb major at sight, automatically applying both flats without hesitation.
Next: Lesson 26 - Introduction to Ornamentation