B Piano Chords

Every B chord a keyboard or piano player needs — each shown three ways: the exact keys to press (root circled), a photo of the chord under real hands, and standard staff notation. 8 chords in this key.

Hear any of these chords and try every key on the interactive Chord Finder.

B — Major

B · D♯ · F♯

The B chord is built from the root, a major third, and a perfect fifth — B, D♯, F♯. Bright and stable — the first chord most pianists learn and the anchor of countless songs.

Bm — Minor

B · D · F♯

The Bm chord is built from the root, a minor third, and a perfect fifth — B, D, F♯. Darker and more wistful than major, and just as common across every style.

Baug — Augmented

B · D♯ · F♯♯

The Baug chord is built from the root, a major third, and a raised fifth — B, D♯, F♯♯. Restless and dreamlike; often a stepping-stone between two ordinary chords.

B7 — Dominant seventh

B · D♯ · F♯ · A

The B7 chord is built from a major triad plus a minor seventh — B, D♯, F♯, A. Bluesy and unresolved; the workhorse of blues, gospel and jazz turnarounds.

Bm7 — Minor seventh

B · D · F♯ · A

The Bm7 chord is built from a minor triad plus a minor seventh — B, D, F♯, A. Mellow and smooth — the backbone of soul, R&B and jazz comping.

Bm7b5 — Half-diminished (m7♭5)

B · D · F · A

The Bm7b5 chord is built from a diminished triad plus a minor seventh — B, D, F, A. Also called half-diminished; most often the "ii" chord that opens a minor ii–V–i.

Bdim7 — Diminished seventh

B · D · F · A♭

The Bdim7 chord is built from four notes stacked in minor thirds — B, D, F, A♭. Maximally tense and perfectly symmetrical — a favourite for passing and leading between chords.

Bm6 — Minor sixth

B · D · F♯ · G♯

The Bm6 chord is built from a minor triad plus a major sixth — B, D, F♯, G♯. Moody and sophisticated — a staple of jazz standards.