Chords in the Key of B Major
The key of B major is built on the notes B – C# – D# – E – F# – G# – A#. Every chord below is drawn from that scale, so they all sound at home together.
The seven chords in B major
| Numeral | Chord | Notes | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | B | B D# F# | Major |
| ii | C#m | C# E G# | Minor |
| iii | D#m | D# F# A# | Minor |
| IV | E | E G# B | Major |
| V | F# | F# A# C# | Major |
| vi | G#m | G# B D# | Minor |
| vii° | A#dim | A# C# E | Diminished |
Seventh chords in B major
Adding the next third on top of each triad gives the seventh chords of the key — the harmonic vocabulary most jazz and soul writing starts from.
| Numeral | Chord | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Imaj7 | Bmaj7 | B D# F# A# |
| ii7 | C#m7 | C# E G# B |
| iii7 | D#m7 | D# F# A# C# |
| IVmaj7 | Emaj7 | E G# B D# |
| V7 | F#7 | F# A# C# E |
| vi7 | G#m7 | G# B D# F# |
| viiø7 | A#m7b5 | A# C# E G# |
Common chord progressions in B major
| Numerals | Chords in B major | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| I – V – vi – IV | B – F# – G#m – E | The most common progression in modern pop music. |
| I – IV – V – I | B – E – F# – B | The classic three-chord cadence used across blues, folk and rock. |
| ii – V – I | C#m – F# – B | The backbone of jazz harmony. |
| vi – IV – I – V | G#m – E – B – F# | A softer, minor-flavoured rotation of the pop progression. |
Relative minor key
B major shares all of its notes with G# minor, so switching between the two changes the mood of a piece without changing a single note. G# minor and Ab minor are the same pitches written two ways; this reference files that key under Ab minor.
Scale reference
See the full B Major scale for its fingering, key signature, degrees and step pattern.
Other scales for this key: B major pentatonic.
Other keys
Frequently asked questions
What chords are in the key of B major?
The key of B major contains B, C#m, D#m, E, F#, G#m, A#dim. These are the triads built on each degree of the B major scale.
What is the relative minor of B major?
The relative minor of B major is G# minor. Both keys use exactly the same notes but resolve to a different tonic. G# minor and Ab minor are the same pitches spelled two ways; this reference files that key under Ab minor.
How many sharps or flats does B major have?
The B major scale is spelled B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A#, which gives it 5 sharps and 0 flats.