transpose.siteB chord (B major)
The B chord is a major chord built on B. A major triad: the root with a major third and a perfect fifth on top. It sounds bright and settled, which is why it opens and closes so many songs.
B guitar chord
Common shape
Barre, root on 5th string (fret 2)
The left vertical line is the 6th (thickest) string. Numbers in dots are fingers (1 index · 2 middle · 3 ring · 4 little), × means don't play that string and ○ means open.
Play it the easy way with a capo
- Capo on fret 2 + A shape
- Capo on fret 4 + G shape
- Capo on fret 7 + E shape
With a capo on for the whole song, every other chord moves by the same number of frets.
B chord notes
| Degree | 1 (root) | 3 (major 3rd) | 5 (perfect 5th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | B | D♯ | F♯ |
B piano chord
On piano, press these 3 notes together. Bass players usually play the root, B.
Keys that use B
- E major: V
- F♯ major: IV
- B major: I
- C♯ minor: VII
- E♭ minor: VI (written C♭)
- G♯ minor: III
Progressions in E major
- E – B – C♯m – A (I – V – vi – IV, the most common pop progression)
- E – C♯m – A – B (I – vi – IV – V, the '50s progression, ballads)
Transposing B
One half step up, B becomes C; one half step down, B♭. To change the key of a whole PDF score, open it in the free PDF transposer.