FretWijzer.nl
Menu
← All keys

B major (B) on guitar

The B major scale consists of the notes B – C♯ – D♯ – E – F♯ – G♯ – A♯ and has 5 sharps. Below you can see every usable note on the neck up to fret 15.

B majorMajor scale

♪ Click a note on the fretboard to hear its sound.

E
B
G
D
A
E
0123•45•67•89•101112••131415•
Root noteOther notes
Click a note to hear it · frets 0–15

Chords in B major

Common progression: B – F♯ – G♯m – E (I–V–vi–IV).

Quick overview

Root note
B
Mode
major
Key signature
5 sharps
Pentatonic
B C♯ D♯ F♯ G♯
Relative key
G♯ minor

Well-known songs in B major

  • Born in the U.S.A.Bruce Springsteen
  • Dancing in the DarkBruce Springsteen
  • I'm YoursJason Mraz
  • Jumpin' Jack FlashThe Rolling Stones
  • Sweet CarolineNeil Diamond
  • YellowColdplay

Key of the original recording; live versions or covers may differ.

CAGED positions

With the CAGED system you play B in five positions across the whole neck. Each shape connects to the next.

  • A shapearound fret 2 · root on A string, fret 2
  • G shapearound fret 4 · root on low E string, fret 7
  • E shapearound fret 7 · root on low E string, fret 7
  • D shapearound fret 9 · root on D string, fret 9
  • C shapearound fret 11 · root on A string, fret 14

Learn B major in 5 steps

  1. Step 1

    Find the root note B

    Find B on the low E string (fret 7) and on the A string (fret 2). Play them alternately and say the name out loud. Every pattern below hangs off these two points.

  2. Step 2

    Play the main chords

    Learn the three most important chords: B (I), E (IV) and F♯ (V). Switch between them at a slow tempo until you can play through without stopping.

  3. Step 3

    Learn the pentatonic in box 1

    The major pentatonic (B C♯ D♯ F♯ G♯) is the first pattern to learn. Put your index finger around fret 4 and play two notes per string, from the low E to the high e and back.

  4. Step 4

    Extend to the full scale

    Add the two missing notes (E and A♯) in the same position. Now you're playing all seven notes of B majeur: B C♯ D♯ E F♯ G♯ A♯.

  5. Step 5

    Improvise over a chord progression

    Record B – F♯ – G♯m – E (or ask someone to play it) and solo over it using box 1. End your phrases on B and listen to how that "coming home" sounds.

Playing B major with a capo

Go to the capo guide

Solo tips for B major

  1. Start with the major pentatonic scale (B C♯ D♯ F♯ G♯). The best-known "box" pattern starts on the root B on the low E string, fret 7.
  2. End your phrases on the root B for a resolved feeling, or on the third D♯ and fifth F♯ for tension.
  3. Add the blue note D as a passing note for a bluesy sound — don't linger on it too long.
  4. Over the F♯ chord (the V) deliberately play the notes of that chord to make the chord changes audible.

Frequently asked questions about B major

Which notes are in B majeur?

B majeur (B) consists of the notes B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯, A♯. The key signature has 5 sharps.

Which chords fit B majeur?

The diatonic chords in B majeur are B, C♯m, D♯m, E, F♯, G♯m, A♯dim. You can freely combine them; they all sound good within the key.

What is the relative key of B majeur?

The relative key is G♯ minor. It uses exactly the same notes and key signature, just with a different tonal centre.

Which pentatonic scale do you use in B majeur?

Use the major pentatonic scale: B, C♯, D♯, F♯, G♯. It avoids the "tricky" half-step intervals and almost always sounds good.

How do I find B on the guitar neck?

You'll find the root B on the low E string at fret 7 and on the A string at fret 2, among other places.