B major scale
The B major scale, with its five sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, and A♯), is one of the more complex major scales. This scale is enharmonically equivalent to the C♭ major scale, but is more commonly used due to its simpler notation with five sharps instead of seven flats. Known for its brilliant and ethereal quality, this scale has been used by composers to express transcendent and otherworldly emotions.
The scale follows the major scale pattern: B to C♯ (whole), C♯ to D♯ (whole), D♯ to E (half), E to F♯ (whole), F♯ to G♯ (whole), G♯ to A♯ (whole), and A♯ to B (half). The five sharps create a distinctively bright and elevated sound.
While challenging for beginners due to its many sharps, B major has been used effectively in classical and romantic music to convey feelings of ecstasy and spiritual elevation. In modern music, it's often employed for its unique timbral qualities and the way it can create a sense of otherworldly brilliance.
B major scale details
Information and technical details of the scale.
- Category
- western
- Type
- Heptatonic (7 notes per octave)
- Intervals
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1
- Formula
- 2-2-1-2-2-2-1
- Also known as
- B Ionian scale, B Ionian mode
- Enharmonic equivalents
Related scales
Here are some scales that are related to the B major scale. Or browse all piano scales.
B harmonic minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-3-1
B Ionian scale
2-2-1-2-2-2-1
B melodic minor scale
2-1-2-2-2-2-1
B natural minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-2-2