B major chord on piano
B is a major chord built on B. It uses the notes B - D♯ - F♯ and sounds bright, stable and resolved.
- Notes
- B D♯ F♯
- Formula
- 1 - 3 - 5
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 1
- Chord symbol
- B
How to play B 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.
- Press all 3 keys together with fingers 1 - 3 - 5 of your right hand. Keep your wrist level and let the weight of your arm do the work.
B 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.
Which keys use the B chord?
Knowing where a chord lives helps you guess the next chord in a song. B appears naturally in these keys:
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the B major chord?
The B major chord (B) contains 3 notes: B, D♯, F♯. Its formula is 1 - 3 - 5.
How do you play B on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on B and play B, D♯, F♯ together using fingers 1 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 1.