Key of B - The B Major Scale

Notes in the B Major Scale:

BC#D#EF#G#A#

The key of B contains 7 notes: B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A#.This major key has a bright, uplifting sound and is one of the most common keys in popular music.

Chords in the Key of B

I
I
B major
ii
ii
C# minor
iii
iii
D# minor

Chord details coming soon

IV
IV
E major
V
V
F# major
vi
vi
G# minor

Chord details coming soon

vii°
vii°
A# diminished

Chord details coming soon

Common Chord Progressions

I - V - vi - IV
Pop progression
I
B major
→
V
F# major
→
vi
G# minor
→
IV
E major
I - IV - V
Classic rock
I
B major
→
IV
E major
→
V
F# major
I - vi - IV - V
50s progression
I
B major
→
vi
G# minor
→
IV
E major
→
V
F# major
ii - V - I
Jazz cadence
ii
C# minor
→
V
F# major
→
I
B major
B Major Scale Pattern

The B Major scale follows the pattern of W-W-H-W-W-W-H (whole and half steps).

Scale formula: B - C# - D# - E - F# - G# - A#

Key signature: 5 sharps

Understanding the Key of B

Scale Degrees

Each chord in the key is built on a scale degree. Roman numerals show the chord's position in the scale. Uppercase = major chords, lowercase = minor chords.

Tonic Chord

The I chord (B major) is the tonic - the "home" chord that provides resolution and stability.

Dominant Chord

The V chord (F# major) creates tension that naturally wants to resolve back to the tonic.