Have you ever wondered how to play the B major chord on piano? Look no further, Skoove has got you covered. In this article we will look at how to play the B major chord, all of its inversions and what fingers to use. We will also cover common chord progression and some great songs that use it so you can master this useful chord in no time. Let’s dive in!
To play the B major piano chord, start by finding the note B. This is the white key directly to the right of the group of three black keys. Once you’ve found it, combine B with D# and F# to create a B major chord.
A B major chord consists of three notes B, D# and F#. These three notes together create the B major triad, a bright and happy chord.
To play this chord in its root position (basic form) with your right hand, use these fingers:
- F# – Fifth finger (5)
- D# – Third finger (3)
- B – Thumb (1)
For the left hand, use the following fingers:
- F# – Thumb (1)
- D# – Third finger (3)
- B – Fifth finger (5)
What are the inversions of the B major chord?
The chord inversions of B major are formed by rearranging notes while playing the same chord. These different stacks of the same notes let you play with more interesting sounds and allow for better chord transitions.
How to play B major chord 1st inversion?
To play the first inversion of the B major piano chord, start with with D# as the lowest note. Next, play F# over it, and finally, put B on top. This makes a distinct voicing, which can be important for smooth chord changes.
For the right hand, use these fingers:
- B – Fifth finger (5)
- F# – Middle finger (3)
- D# – Second finger (2)
For the left hand, use these fingers:
- B – Thumb (1)
- F# – Fourth finger (4)
- D# – Fifth finger (5)
How to play B major chord 2nd inversion?
To play the second inversion of the B major piano chord, start with F# as the lowest note. Then play B above it, then finish with a D# at the top. This new order of notes gives the chord a fresh feel and can make it simpler to move between chords fluidly and set up resolutions in progressions.
For the right hand, use these fingers:
- D# – Fifth finger (5)
- B – Middle finger (3)
- F# – Thumb (1)
For the left hand, use these fingers:
- D# – Thumb (1)
- B – Third finger (3)
- F# – Fifth finger (5)
Common chord progressions in the key of B major
B major appears in lots of musical genres, ranging from pop and rock to jazz and classical. These chord progressions can help create fun chord sequences and add emotional depth to songs. A B major chord pattern often has chords such as B, E, F# and G#m.
Here are some popular B major piano chord progressions:
- B – E – F# – F#
- G#m – B – F# – E
- B – E – B – F#
- E – F# – E – B
Practicing these chord patterns often will help you get more comfortable with B major on the piano and make your playing sound more natural.
These progressions show how useful a B major chord progression can be. They are a great way to put your knowledge of piano chords to the test. To understand these chord symbols and how to play them, check out Skoove’s tailor-made beginner chord progression courses.
Popular songs to play with the B major piano chord
Copa Cobana – Barry Manilow
Ghost in a Flower – Yorushika
Piano chords generator
💡 If you are reading this from a mobile device, rotate it to display the tool in full width.
1. Click on “Chords”
2. Choose the “Root” of the chord
3. Choose the “Chord qualities” (major, minor, etc.)
4. Click “Display”
Author of this blog post:
Matthew Dickman
With over a decade of experience in music education Matthew holds a BA in Music from Paul McCartney’s LIPA and an MA in Composition from the University of Salford. Mathew has developed a distinctive compositional voice and approach to music theory education through his research and work in the music industry. Matthew’s writing for Skoove combines experience from orchestral and media composition, and as a gigging jazz musician, to create a wholistic and accessible pedagogy for musicians of any level. Away from music, he enjoys reading and exploring nature to expand his horizons and knowledge contributing to his holistic teaching style.
