What is B Major?
The B Major guitar chord is formed by the notes B – D# – F# and is played using the fingering x24442. It’s a major chord commonly used in B-E-F#.
B Major Chord Diagram
Standard Position
6th (E) string: Don't play
5th (A) string: 2th fret
4th (D) string: 4th fret
3rd (G) string: 4th fret
2nd (B) string: 4th fret
1st (E) string: 2th fret
How to Play B Major
- Place fingertips close to the fret wire using the diagram x24442.
- Arch fingers so they don’t touch adjacent strings; keep thumb behind the neck.
- Pick each string to check for buzz or mute; adjust pressure and curl.
- Strum slow down-strums; add down–down–up–up–down–up when clean.
Pro Tip: Practice chord changes with a metronome at 70–90 BPM for one-minute rounds.
B Major Variations
Bmaj7
x24342
Add 7th for sophisticated sound
Popular Songs Using B Major
Famous Examples:
- • Don't Stop Believin'
- • Livin' on a Prayer
More Hits:
- • More Than a Feeling
Common Chord Progressions with B Major
B-E-F#
I-IV-V in key of B major
B-G#m-E-F#
A popular progression used in many songs
B-F#-G#m-E
A popular progression used in many songs
Practice Tips for B Major
1. Barre Chord Mastery
This chord requires significant finger strength and proper thumb placement
Common Substitutions for B Major
Chord Family: E Major
B Major functions as V in the key of E Major.
Music Theory Behind B Major
Notes in B Major: B - D# - F#
Scale: B - C# - D# - E - F# - G# - A# - B
Key Signature: 5 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#, A#)
Relative Minor: G# minor
B major has 5 sharps, making it one of the more challenging keys
Related Chords to Learn
Master B Major Today!
B Major is an advanced chord that will expand your musical vocabulary significantly!