B♭6 5-string bass chord

How to play B♭6 on 5-string bass

The most common way, the first shape above: your index finger on the E string at the 1st fret and your middle finger on the A string at the 1st fret. Let the D and G strings ring open. Don’t play the B string.

From the B string x 1 1 0 0 (x: not played, 0: open)

What notes are in B♭6?

B♭6, B♭ sixth, is B♭, D, F and G: the root (B♭), the major third (D), the perfect fifth (F) and the major sixth (G). Its formula is 1 3 5 6.

Which chord has the same notes as B♭6?

Gm7. Both are B♭, D, F and G; which one you hear depends on the bass note.

Can I play B♭ instead of B♭6?

Yes. B♭6 is B♭ with G added, a sweeter, older sound, heard in swing and early rock and roll.