Chord Information
Learn how to play B5 on piano
Notes in Chord
Intervals
Inversion
Notes (bottom to top): B4 - F#5
Right Hand Fingering
3=middle, 4=ring, 5=pinky
Interactive Piano
Click the highlighted keys to play the B5 chord
About the B5 Chord
The B5 power chord brings rock power to a pitch that sits prominently in E major—rock's most important key. Built from B and F#, this chord functions as V in E major, providing the dominant power chord position in countless rock songs.
What makes B5 important is its relationship to E. In the key of E (rock's home), B5 serves as the dominant, creating tension that resolves to E5. This V-I power chord motion drives rock energy.
On piano, B5 is B and F#—one white key and one black key in a comfortable, powerful configuration.
Music Theory & Usage
B5 appears in rock songs as V in E major, I in B major, or IV in F# major. Its position in E major makes it essential rock vocabulary.
The chord provides driving power in progressions that resolve to E, creating the tension-release that defines rock songwriting.
Famous Songs Using B5
Hear how professional musicians use the B5 chord in these well-known songs:
“Smells Like Teen Spirit”
by Nirvana
Uses B5 in its famous progression
“Come As You Are”
by Nirvana
Features power chords throughout
“Lithium”
by Nirvana
Contains power chord changes
“In Bloom”
by Nirvana
Uses power chords in its alt-rock arrangement
How to Play B5 on Piano
- Place your thumb on B.
- Place your index finger on F#.
- Press all keys simultaneously to hear the B5 chord.
Recommended fingering: 1-5 (right hand)
B5 Chord Inversions
The B5 chord can be played in different inversions:
Root Position
B - F# (bass note: B)
First Inversion
F# - B (bass note: F#)
Common Chord Progressions Using B5
I-IV-V Progression
Common chord progression
I-V-vi-IV Progression
Common chord progression
Practice Tips for B5
- Start slowly and focus on pressing all keys simultaneously for a clean sound.
- Practice transitioning between B5 and other common chords to build muscle memory.
- This is a fundamental chord - master it in all inversions before moving to complex chords.
- Try playing B5 as part of simple progressions to understand its harmonic function.
Frequently Asked Questions about B5
What notes are in B5?
B5 contains B (root) and F# (perfect 5th). One white key, one black key—clean rock power.
Why is B5 important in rock?
B5 is the V chord in E major (rock's home key). The B5 to E5 motion creates satisfying resolution that drives countless rock songs.
Can B5 replace B major or B minor?
In rock contexts, yes. The power chord's ambiguity lets B5 work wherever B works, providing raw power without major/minor commitment.
Is B5 the same as Cb5?
Theoretically yes, but Cb5 is never used since Cb is impractical. B5 is the only spelling you'll encounter.