The B major chord on a piano always comes in a triplet format that includes a major third (D#), a root (B), and a perfect fifth (F#). As a music teacher, I always try to teach my students the basics of chords. I know that once they learn the basics, they will easily catch the tunes. Now, in order to play this chord on the piano, they need to play these three notes in the triplet format at once.
I know that sometimes, students, as beginners, tend to take longer time to learn the B chord on the piano as it is a bit different from other white key chords. So, today, I am going to give them a detailed guide so that they can play the B major chord on their pianos easily.
So. keep reading.
How To Play The B Major On The Piano
So, basically, the B major chord is made of three main notes- a root (B), a major third (D#), and a perfect fifth (F#). That is why the B major chord is called a triplet or a triad. Here, the major third comes first, followed by a minor third on the top.
Now, in order to play this chord on the piano, they need to play these three notes in the triplet format at once.
What I have said above might sound a bit tricky to you. Don’t be afraid. In the below points, I am going to give you some tips and finger positions of the B major chord to play the tunes on the piano
The Notes In B Chord
As discussed earlier in the above-mentioned sections, there are three main notes in the B major chord- a root (B), a major third (D#), and a perfect fifth (F#). So, you can see that you have 2 sharps in this particular major chord. These two sharps make the B major chord a bit different from other major chords.
Finding The Notes
- You can see B directly below the C major chord.
- To find the D# you should hover over the 2 white notes from B. now, head up 1 black note to the right side. Here, you will see D#.
- Skip the next black note to the right side of the D# directly. You will be able to notice two black notes between two sharps. That is F#.
B Chord Piano Finger Positions
I prefer to use my right hand to play the B major chord on the piano. So, I use my fingers like this:
F#- 5th finger (5)
D#- 3rd finger (3)
B- 1st finger (1)
If you are not comfortable using your right hand, you can easily play this major with your left hand as well. therefore, you can use your fingers like this:
F#- 1st finger (1)
D#- 3rd finger (3)
B- 5th finger (5)
Note: These root finger positions might change based on what music and tune you are playing.
What Are The Inversions Of The B Major?
You can have 2 inversions of the B major. Let’s look below.
Playing The 1st Inversion
Musicians consider the D# the lowest note of the B major chord. Use your right hand with the following finger positions to play the 1st inversion.
B- 5th finger (5)
F#- 2nd finger (2)
D3- 1st finger (1)
Playing The 2nd Inversion
F# is considered the lowest note of the B major in the 2nd inversion. Play like this:
D#- 5th finger (5)
B- 3rd finger (3)
F#- 1st finger (1)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the chords in the key of B?
Here is the list of the chords in the key of B.
- C# minor
- D# minor
- E major
- F# major
- G# minor
- A# diminished
2. How can you play the B chord in the left hand?
In order to play the B chord in the left hand, use your fingers like this:
F#– 1st finger (1)
D#- 3rd finger (3)
B- 5th finger (5)
3. What notes make up the B major chord?
You will be able to see 3 main notes in the B major chord. They are B (the root), D# (the third major), and F# (the perfect fifth).
Ending Note On The B Major Chord
I sincerely hope that my guide will help musicians learn the B major chord on the piano very easily at the starting level. Surely, you will need extra practice. Start with this simplest version and you will create more as you become the master of it. All the best!
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