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B(Major Chord)

A bright, happy triad built from a root, major third, and perfect fifth.

Notes
B – D# – F#
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 4 – 7
Type
Triad

🎹 B on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the B chord.

R
B(Root (R))
2
D#(Major 3rd)
3
F#(Perfect 5th)

🎸 B on Guitar

The B chord uses notes B, D#, F#. Build a voicing by finding these notes on any strings — root on the 6th string is a common starting point for barre chord shapes.

Interval Analysis

DegreeInterval NameSemitonesNote in B
RootRoot (R)0B
3rdMajor 3rd4D#
5thPerfect 5th7F#

About the B Major Chord

The B chord (B Major) consists of 3 notes: B, D#, F#. A bright, happy triad built from a root, major third, and perfect fifth.

To build any major chord, apply intervals of 0, 4, 7 semitones above the root. Starting from B: the notes land on B, D#, F#.

Playing B on Piano

Press B, D#, F# simultaneously. In root position, B is lowest. First inversion places D# in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses F# as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using B

  • I–IV–V: B – E – F# (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: B – F# – G#m – E (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: B – G#m – E – F# (50s progression)

The B Chord in Context

As a major chord, B is the tonic (I) in the key of B major. It also appears as the IV chord in F# major, and as the V chord in E major — making it one of the most important chords across all of Western music.

Other B Chords

Bm
Minor
B7
Dominant 7th
Bmaj7
Major 7th
Bm7
Minor 7th
Bdim
Diminished
Baug
Augmented

Major Chord in All 12 Keys

CC#DD#EFF#GG#AA#B
🎹 Virtual Piano
Play B on piano
🎸 Virtual Guitar
See on the fretboard
🎵 B Scale
Notes that fit B
🎶 Songs
Find songs using B

FAQ

B Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the B chord?
The B Major chord contains: B, D#, F#. These notes are derived by applying the major interval formula (0–4–7 semitones) to the root note B.
What is the B chord used for?
A bright, happy triad built from a root, major third, and perfect fifth. The B chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of B major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.
How do you play B on piano?
On piano, play B, D#, F# simultaneously. In root position, B is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has D# lowest, second inversion has F# lowest.
How many notes are in a major chord?
A major chord has 3 notes: B, D#, F# (in B). It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.
What is the difference between B major and B minor?
The B major chord (B–D#–F#) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound. The B minor chord (B–D–F#) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.
What key does B belong to?
B naturally serves as the I chord in the key of B major. It also appears as IV in the key of F# major, and as V in the key of E major.
Can I play B on ukulele?
Yes. The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The B chord notes (B, D#, F#) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.
What chords go well with B?
In the key of B major, B pairs naturally with E major (IV), F# major (V), and G#m (vi). The classic I–IV–V (B–E–F#) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.
What is a chord inversion of B?
An inversion places a non-root note in the bass. B root position: B in bass. First inversion: D# in bass. Second inversion: F# in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.
How do I memorize the notes in a major chord?
Remember the formula: 0–4–7 semitones from root. For B: start on B, add 4 semitones, then 7 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any major chord.