The key of B major is a popular one, popping up in all sorts of music. From pop to classical, you’ll hear it everywhere.
This article is your go-to guide for understanding and playing B major chords on whatever instrument you want to play them on.
Understanding the B Major Scale
The B major scale includes these notes: B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯, and A♯. Each note represents a “degree” of the scale. Understanding these degrees helps you build chords.
B major has a key signature of 5 sharps: F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, and A♯. If you’re thinking in minor keys, the relative minor of B major is G♯ minor.
Diatonic Chords in B Major
A diatonic chord is one that’s built from the notes of a particular scale. The diatonic chords in the key of B major are B major, C♯ minor, D♯ minor, E major, F♯ major, G♯ minor, and A♯ diminished.
In music theory, we use Roman numerals to indicate the chord qualities in a key. Major chords are noted with an uppercase Roman numeral, minor chords are noted with a lowercase Roman numeral, and diminished chords are noted with a lowercase Roman numeral followed by a degree symbol: I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii°.
If you know the formula for a chord, you can build it from any root. Major chords follow the 1, 3, 5 formula, and minor chords follow the 1, b3, 5 formula.
The notes in each of the diatonic chords in the key of B major are:
- B major = B, D♯, F♯
- C♯ minor = C♯, E, G♯
- D♯ minor = D♯, F♯, A♯
- E major = E, G♯, B
- F♯ major = F♯, A♯, C♯
- G♯ minor = G♯, B, D♯
- A♯ diminished = A♯, C♯, E
Common Chord Progressions in B Major
A chord progression is just a series of chords played one after another. In the key of B major, some popular progressions include:
- I-IV-V (B-E-F#)
- I-vi-IV-V (B-G#m-E-F#)
- vi-V-IV-V (G#m-F#-E-F#)
Musicians often use Roman numerals to describe chord progressions. The numeral tells you what scale degree is the root of the chord. Uppercase numerals indicate major chords, while lowercase numerals indicate minor chords.
You can make these progressions sound more interesting by using techniques like voice leading (smooth transitions between chords) and arpeggiation (playing the notes of a chord one at a time).
Playing B Major Chords on Piano and Guitar
Piano
To play a B major chord on the piano, you’ll typically use your thumb on B, your middle finger on D#, and your pinky on F#.
Guitar
Guitarists can play a B major chord in a few different ways, but a common one is to barre the second fret and then use your ring finger and pinky to fret the fourth fret of the D and G strings.
If you’re a guitarist, you might also want to learn about the CAGED system or the Three Notes Per String (TNPS) system, which can help you play B major in different places on the neck.
Key Takeaways
B major chords, in all their variations, can add brightness and depth to your playing. Now that you know the basics, grab your instrument and start exploring the possibilities!