B Major Chord
The B major chord is B, D sharp and F sharp played together. On a piano, find those three keys and press them at once. The chord symbol is simply B; the word "major" is understood.
- Notes: B-D sharp-F sharp
- Symbol: B
- Two inversions
Where are the notes?
B is the white key just right of a group of three black keys. D sharp and F sharp are both black, so the two upper notes are easy to spot together.
B is the root and names the chord. D sharp is the major third, four semitones above the root. F sharp is the fifth, seven semitones above it. To check the construction from another starting note, use Major Chord.
What are the inversions?
- Root position: B-D sharp-F sharp, with B lowest.
- First inversion: D sharp-F sharp-B, with D sharp lowest.
- Second inversion: F sharp-B-D sharp, with F sharp lowest.
If the lowest note in the whole arrangement is D sharp, the chord can be written B/D#. If F sharp is lowest, write B/F#. A separate bass instrument may change the actual lowest note even when your right hand plays an inversion. Chord Inversions explains why that distinction matters.
Where could you use it?
B major is the home chord in B major. It is also the fourth chord in E major and the fifth chord in F sharp major. The same three notes can therefore feel like a starting point, a move away, or a lead-in to another chord, depending on the surrounding harmony.
Try E-F#-B on a piano and listen to the final B. For this simple progression, each symbol names a major chord. Diatonic Chords shows how a key gives chords those numbered roles.
How does B minor differ?
Keep B and F sharp; lower only D sharp to D. The result is B-D-F sharp. That is B minor. Alternate the two versions at the same volume. The changed third is more useful to hear than a vague label such as "happy" or "sad."
Try it without the note list
Find the root, add the major third and fifth, then play the first inversion. Name the key that moved from the bottom to the top. Repeat for the second inversion. The Piano Chords Chart helps you practice the same move from other roots.