Piano chord
BB major
- B1
- D♯3
- F♯5
- Notes
- 3
- Positions
- 3
- Span
- 7semitones
- Fingers
- 1-3-5
How to play B on piano
- Find B: it is the root and the lowest note of the chord in root position.
- Right hand: 1 on B, 3 on D♯, 5 on F♯.
- Or with the left hand: 5 on B, 3 on D♯, 1 on F♯.
- Press the keys together, with curved fingers and a loose wrist, and let them ring.
Root position · B – D♯ – F♯
1st inversion · D♯ – F♯ – B
2nd inversion · F♯ – B – D♯
Numbers on the keys are fingers: 1 thumb, 2 index, 3 middle, 4 ring, 5 little finger.
B inversions
B can be played in 3 positions. In root position B is at the bottom; each inversion moves the lowest note up an octave, so another chord tone becomes the bass.
- Root positionbass: BRight hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
- 1st inversionbass: D♯Right hand 1-2-5 · Left hand 5-3-1
- 2nd inversionbass: F♯Right hand 1-3-5 · Left hand 5-2-1
Chords that go with B
The other chords of B major, the key where B is home (I). Songs in this key move between them.
B with two hands
A full sound: the left hand plays B an octave lower, the right hand plays B–D♯–F♯.
B on other instruments
About the B chord
B major has 3 notes: B (1), D♯ (3), F♯ (5). A major triad: a major third and a perfect fifth over B. It is the most common chord in music and sounds bright and stable.
On the keyboard, start from B and add the other notes above it: B – D♯ – F♯. From the lowest to the highest key that is 7 semitones. That is less than an octave, so B sits comfortably under one hand.
Each inversion of B puts a different note in the bass. In the 1st inversion the bass is D♯ (D♯–F♯–B). In the 2nd inversion the bass is F♯ (F♯–B–D♯).
B is B7 without A.
Keys that contain B: E major (V), B major (I), F sharp major (IV), E minor (V), C sharp minor (VII).
Questions
What notes are in the B chord?
B (B major) has 3 notes: B (1), D♯ (3), F♯ (5).
How many inversions does B have?
B can be played in 3 positions: Root position (B–D♯–F♯); 1st inversion (D♯–F♯–B); 2nd inversion (F♯–B–D♯).
What is the difference between B and B7?
B is B7 without A.
Can I play B with one hand?
Yes. In root position B spans 7 semitones, less than an octave, so one hand holds it easily.