Chords in the key of B major on ukulele
The chords in the key of B major are built from the notes of the scale: B, C#m, D#m, E, F#, G#m, A#dim. Almost every song in this key uses only these, with the dominant F#7 leading back to B.
The chords of the key
- BI
- C#mii
- D#miii
- EIV
- F#V
- F#7V7
- G#mvi
- A#dimvii°
| Degree | Chord | Function |
|---|---|---|
| I | B | tonic (rest) |
| ii | C#m | subdominant (moves away) |
| iii | D#m | tonic (rest) |
| IV | E | subdominant (moves away) |
| V | F# | dominant (tension) |
| V7 | F#7 | dominant (tension) |
| vi | G#m | tonic (rest) |
| vii° | A#dim | dominant (tension) |
Common progressions
- Pop (I–V –vi–IV): B – F# – G#m – E
- 50s (I–vi–IV–V): B – G#m – E – F#
- ii–V–I: C#m – F#7 – B – B
- Turnaround (I–vi | ii–V7): B G#m – C#m F#7
To improvise
The B major scale works over all these chords. To start with less risk, use the major pentatonic: five notes that almost never sound wrong in this key.
Relative key: G# minor, with the same notes and a different home chord.