The B Major 6 chord is a four-note chord made up of B, D♯, F♯, and G♯.
Construction
B Major 6 = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 6th = B · D♯ · F♯ · G♯
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| B | Root | 1 |
| D♯ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| F♯ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| G♯ | Major 6th | 6 |
B Major 6 Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | B – D♯ – F♯ – G♯ |
| 1st Inversion | D♯ – F♯ – G♯ – B |
| 2nd Inversion | F♯ – G♯ – B – D♯ |
| 3rd Inversion | G♯ – B – D♯ – F♯ |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the B Major 6 is the tonic (I) chord of B Major, whose key signature has 5 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯).
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
Chords in the Key of B Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the B major scale:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes B – D♯ – F♯ – G♯ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
B Major 6 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the B Major 6 chord on piano?
The B Major 6 chord contains the notes B – D♯ – F♯ – G♯. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the B Major 6 chord?
B6 contains: B, D#, F#, G#. Major triad with major sixth.
How does B6 differ from Bmaj7?
B6 has G# (sixth). Bmaj7 has A# (seventh).
How does B6 differ from G#m7?
Same notes, different root.
How is B6 used?
Vintage jazz, pop-rock.
What songs use Major 6th?
Swing, jazz.
Can I substitute B6 for B Major?
Yes.