B dominant 7th chord on piano
B7 is a dominant 7th chord built on B. It uses the notes B - D♯ - F♯ - A and sounds bluesy with a strong pull toward the next chord.
- Notes
- B D♯ F♯ A
- Formula
- 1 - 3 - 5 - ♭7
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 2 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 2 - 1
- Chord symbol
- B7
How to play B7 step by step
- Find B. B is the white key just right of each group of three black keys.
- Add D♯, 4 half steps above B.
- Add F♯, 7 half steps above B.
- Add A, 10 half steps above B.
- Press all 4 keys together with fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5 of your right hand. Keep your wrist level and let the weight of your arm do the work.
B7 inversions
An inversion uses the same notes in a different order. Inversions let your hand move less between chords, which is how pianists make chord changes sound smooth.
Songs that use B7
Practice B7 inside real music. These tutorials use it in the left-hand accompaniment:
- In the Hall of the Mountain King (easy, A minor (simplified from B minor))
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the B dominant 7th chord?
The B dominant 7th chord (B7) contains 4 notes: B, D♯, F♯, A. Its formula is 1 - 3 - 5 - ♭7.
How do you play B7 on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on B and play B, D♯, F♯, A together using fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 2 - 1.