Major · B
Chord B Major (B)
B uses 3 keys, from B4 up to F#5, 7 semitones apart.
← Back to the chord dictionaryWhat sets B apart on the piano
On the piano, the notes of B are B, D# and F#. B is the root, D# the major third and F# the fifth. Said aloud, its notes are B, D sharp and F sharp. B uses two black keys, D# and F#, and one white key, B.
The gaps in B are not equal. B to D# is four and D# to F# is three semitones. The frequencies in this position are B4 at 493.88 Hz, D#5 at 622.25 Hz and F#5 at 739.99 Hz, with A4 tuned to 440 Hz.
Your right hand plays B with the thumb, D# with the middle finger and F# with the little finger. From B4 to F#5 the hand spans seven semitones.
The first inversion starts on D#, the major third, and ends on B. The fingers are 1 - 2 - 5. In the second inversion, D# moves up an octave and the lowest note becomes F#, the fifth. The fingers are 1 - 3 - 5.
Move D# in B down a semitone, to D, and you have Bm. It shares B and D# with G#m, two of its three notes.
B shows up in seven keys. In B major it is the I, in E major the V and in F# major the IV.
88-Key Keyboard
Listen to and visualize B
B Major (B)
MajorRoot position
How to play B Major (B)
- 1B · finger 1Play B4 with finger 1 of your right hand.
- 2D# · finger 3Play D#5 with finger 3 of your right hand.
- 3F# · finger 5Play F#5 with finger 5 of your right hand.
Voicings
Inversions of B
Across its 3 positions, the lowest note is B, D#, and F#.
| Position | Notes | Fingering | Lowest note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root position | B · D# · F# | 1 - 3 - 5 | B in the bass, the root |
| 1st inversion | D# · F# · B | 1 - 2 - 5 | D# in the bass, the third |
| 2nd inversion | F# · B · D# | 1 - 3 - 5 | F# in the bass, the fifth |
B in every key
B sits in the scale of 7 keys.
Major keys
Minor keys
Practice Notebook
Step-by-step guide: B Major (B)
- Visual Orientation on White and Black Keys
- Ear Training: Major/Minor Comparison and Recognition of the Third
- Concrete Progression with Related Chords
- Accurate Reading of Notes and Distances in B Major
- Posture and Biomechanics of Both Hands Without Tension
- Root Position and Two Inversions, Comparing Bass and Movement
- 10 to 15 Minute Practice with Rhythm, Metronome, and Self-Assessment
- Common Mistakes, Corrections, and Musical Application
Printable sheet for B Major (B)
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