B Major scale on piano
happy · bright · stable
About the Major scale
The bright, stable home base of Western music. Seven notes that always resolve back to the root — the sound of pop choruses, folk songs and every melody you can hum.
When to use it: Use it over major-key progressions when you want a clear, open, singable sound.
Watch out: Watch the 4th and 7th over the tonic chord — treat them as passing notes.
Notes
Genres
Diatonic chords — tap any of them
These chords are built using only the notes of this scale — one on each degree. That's why they all sound "at home" together: they're the harmonic family of B Major.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the B Major scale?
The B Major scale contains the notes B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A#. On this page you can see them highlighted on the instrument and hear how the scale sounds.
What does the Major scale sound like?
Every scale has its own color. Major is best experienced by ear — press play above to hear B Major and watch each note light up.
Which chords can I build from B Major?
The diatonic chords of B Major include B, C#m, D#m, E, F#, G#m, A#dim. They all share the scale's notes, which is why they sound at home together.