Play B Major Chord Piano, Inversion And Notes -

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. Once they grasp the basics, they will easily catch on to the tunes. To play this chord on the piano, they need to play these three notes simultaneously in the triplet format.

I know that sometimes, students, especially beginners, tend to take a longer time to learn the B chord on the piano because it is a bit different from other white key chords. So today, I am going to provide them with a detailed guide so they can easily play the B major chord on their pianos.

So, keep reading.

How To Play The B Major Chord On The Piano

The B major chord is comprised of three main notes: the root (B), a major third (D#), and a perfect fifth (F#). This formation is commonly referred to as a triplet or a triad, where the major third is followed by a minor third on top.

To play this chord on the piano, you need to strike these three notes simultaneously.

If you find this a bit challenging, don’t worry. Below, I will provide some tips and the correct finger positions for playing the B major chord.

The Notes in the B Chord

As previously mentioned, the B major chord includes a root (B), a major third (D#), and a perfect fifth (F#). This chord is unique due to its two sharp notes, making it slightly different from other major chords.

Finding The Notes

You can locate B directly below the C major chord.
To find D#, move two white keys to the right from B, then one black key up.
To locate F#, skip the next black key to the right of D#; you will find two black keys between the two sharps.

B Chord Piano Finger Positions

I prefer to use my right hand to play the B major chord. The positions are as follows:

F# with the 5th finger (5)
D# with the 3rd finger (3)
B with the 1st finger (1)

If you prefer using your left hand, the positions can be:

F# with the 1st finger (1)
D# with the 3rd finger (3)
B with the 5th finger (5)

Note: These positions might vary depending on the music and tune you are playing.

What Are The Inversions Of The B Major Chord?

There are two inversions of the B major chord:

1st Inversion:

D# becomes the lowest note. Use the following right-hand positions:

B with the 5th finger (5)
F# with the 2nd finger (2)
D# with the 1st finger (1)

2nd Inversion:

F# becomes the lowest note. Positions are:

D# with the 5th finger (5)
B with the 3rd finger (3)
F# with the 1st finger (1)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the chords in the key of B?

C# minor
D# minor
E major
F# major
G# minor
A# diminished

Q2. How can you play the B chord with the left hand?

Use the following positions:

F# with the 1st finger (1)
D# with the 3rd finger (3)
B with the 5th finger (5)

Q3. What notes make up the B major chord?

The three primary notes are B (the root), D# (the major third), and F# (the perfect fifth).

Final Words

I hope this guide helps musicians easily learn the B major chord at the beginner level. Remember, practice is key. Start with this simple version, and as you master it, you can progress to more complex versions. All the best!