B chord (B major) on piano
B (B major) has three notes: B, D sharp and F sharp. Its formula is 1, 3, 5. In major keys, B is the I chord in B major, the IV in F# major and the V in E major.
B inversions and fingering
B D# F# · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-3-1
D# F# B · RH 1-2-5 · LH 5-3-1
F# B D# · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-2-1
Hear it and see every shape in ScaleSpace →
| Symbol | B |
|---|---|
| Also written | Bmaj, BM |
| Notes | B D# F# |
| Formula | 1 3 5 |
| Intervals | root, major third, perfect fifth |
| Type | Major chord |
B across the keyboard
Piano, C3 to C5. Notes in this scale, low to high: D#3 (3), F#3 (5), B3 (1), D#4 (3), F#4 (5), B4 (1).
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Questions
What notes are in the B chord?
B (B major) has three notes: B, D sharp and F sharp. Its formula is 1, 3, 5. B is the root, D# is the major third and F# is the perfect fifth.
How do you play B on piano?
Play B, D# and F# together. Root position: B D# F# · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-3-1.
What key is B in?
In major keys, B is the I chord in B major, the IV in F# major and the V in E major. It is diatonic to those keys, so it fits songs in any of them.
What is the difference between B and Bm?
B has a major 3rd, D#. Bm lowers it a half step to D, which is what makes it sound minor. The root and 5th stay the same.