B major · 7 chords · 5♯

Chords in the Key of B major

The key of B major contains the notes B – C# – D# – E – F# – G# – A#. Its seven chords are B, C#m, D#m, E, F#, G#m, A#dim.

The seven chords of B major

These are the triads built on each note of the B major scale. The numerals show where each chord sits in the key: capital letters are major chords, lowercase letters are minor.

Numeral	Chord	Notes	Function
I	B	B – D# – F#	Tonic
ii	C#m	C# – E – G#	Supertonic
iii	D#m	D# – F# – A#	Mediant
IV	E	E – G# – B	Subdominant
V	F#	F# – A# – C#	Dominant
vi	G#m	G# – B – D#	Submediant
vii°	A#dim	A# – C# – E	Leading tone

Seventh chords in B major

Adding the seventh gives a richer, more open sound. These are the seventh chords that fit B major.

Bmaj7 C#m7 D#m7 Emaj7 F#7 G#m7 A#m7b5

Key signature of B major

B major has 5 sharps: F#, C#, G#, D#, A#.

The relative minor of B major is G# minor: it uses exactly the same notes and chords, but feels more serious.

How to use the chords of B major

Most songs in a major key start and end on the I chord and lean on the IV and V chords. Try I–IV–V first, then add the vi chord for a more emotional sound.

Chord progressions in B major

Popular progressions written out in B major:

I-V-vi-IV: B – F# – G#m – E
I-IV-V: B – E – F#
12-Bar Blues: B7 – B7 – B7 – B7 – E7 – E7 – B7 – B7 – F#7 – E7 – B7 – F#7
I-vi-IV-V (50s progression): B – G#m – E – F#
vi-IV-I-V: G#m – E – B – F#
ii-V-I: C#m7 – F#7 – Bmaj7

Scales to play in B major

B Major Scale B Major Pentatonic Scale B Mixolydian Scale

FAQ

What chords are in the key of B major?

The chords in B major are B, C#m, D#m, E, F#, G#m, A#dim, which are chords I – ii – iii – IV – V – vi – vii° of the key.

What is the relative minor of B major?

It is G# minor. The two keys share exactly the same notes and chords.

How many sharps or flats are in B major?