ScaleRoot

B Major

The major scale (Ionian mode): seven notes following whole–whole–half–whole–whole–whole–half. The foundational scale of Western tonal music, with a bright, resolved character.

Notes

2C♯

3D♯

5F♯

6G♯

7A♯

Diatonic chords

Triads

7th chords

Common progressions

I–IV–V

B–E–F♯

The classic three-chord progression of rock, blues, and country.

I–V–vi–IV

B–F♯–G♯m–E

The pop progression — heard in everything from "Don't Stop Believin'" to "Let It Be".

I–vi–IV–V

B–G♯m–E–F♯

The 50s doo-wop progression ("Earth Angel", "Stand By Me").

vi–IV–I–V

G♯m–E–B–F♯

The same chords as I–V–vi–IV, starting on the relative minor. Sounds wistful where I–V–vi–IV sounds uplifting.

ii7–V7–Imaj7

C♯m7–F♯7–Bmaj7

The fundamental cadence of jazz harmony — m7 to dominant 7 to major 7.