Understanding the chords within the B major scale is fundamental for any guitarist looking to expand their musical vocabulary and create compelling chord progressions. This guide will explore the essential chords in the B major scale, providing you with the knowledge to play them across the fretboard and utilize them in your music.
Chords in the Key of B Major
The B major scale, like any major scale, follows a specific pattern of whole and half steps. This pattern dictates the chords that naturally occur within the scale. Using the formula for diatonic chords in a major scale (Major, minor, minor, Major, Major, minor, diminished), we can determine the chords in the key of B major:
- I (1st degree): B Major (B)
- ii (2nd degree): C# minor (C#m)
- iii (3rd degree): D# minor (D#m)
- IV (4th degree): E Major (E)
- V (5th degree): F# Major (F#)
- vi (6th degree): G# minor (G#m)
- vii° (7th degree): A# diminished (A#dim)
These seven chords form the harmonic foundation of the B major scale. By learning these chords, you unlock a wide range of musical possibilities in this key.
Common Guitar Chord Shapes for B Major Scale Chords
Here are some common and practical ways to play these chords on the guitar:
-
B Major (B):
- Open Position (Barre Chord): A common barre chord shape rooted on the 2nd fret. Barre across the 2nd fret, then shape an ‘A’ major barre chord form.
- Example voicing:
x 2 4 4 4 2
-
C# minor (C#m):
- Open Position (Barre Chord): Barre across the 4th fret, and use an ‘Am’ shape.
- Example voicing:
x 4 6 6 5 4
-
D# minor (D#m):
- Open Position (Barre Chord): Barre across the 6th fret, and use an ‘Am’ shape.
- Example voicing:
x 6 8 8 7 6
-
E Major (E):
- Open Position: A fundamental open chord.
- Example voicing:
0 2 2 1 0 0 - Barre Chord: Barre across the 7th fret using ‘E’ shape barre chord at 7th fret.
-
F# Major (F#):
- Open Position (Barre Chord): Barre across the 9th fret and use an ‘E’ major barre chord shape.
- Example voicing:
2 4 4 3 2 2(Root on the 6th string, 2nd fret) orx 9 11 11 10 9(Barre chord at 9th fret).
-
G# minor (G#m):
- Open Position (Barre Chord): Barre across the 11th fret and use an ‘Am’ shape.
- Example voicing:
4 6 6 4 4 4(Root on 6th string, 4th fret) orx 11 13 13 12 11(Barre chord at 11th fret).
-
A# diminished (A#dim):
- Movable Shape: Diminished chords are often played as movable shapes.
- Example voicing:
x 1 2 3 2 x(Root on A string, 1st fret)
Using B Major Scale Chords in Progressions
Understanding these chords allows you to create chord progressions in the key of B major. Common progressions include:
- I-IV-V: B – E – F# (A very common and strong progression in major keys)
- ii-V-I: C#m – F# – B (A minor chord progression resolving to the tonic)
- I-vi-ii-V: B – G#m – C#m – F# (A popular progression, often used in songs)
Experiment with these and other combinations of B major scale chords to discover your own unique sounds. By mastering these chords and their relationships, you’ll significantly enhance your guitar playing and songwriting abilities within the key of B major.
