Keys: chords and scales

Chords in the key of B minor

The key of B minor has 2 sharps in the key signature (F♯, C♯). Its scale is B – C♯ – D – E – F♯ – G – A and its seven chords are Bm, C♯dim, D, Em, F♯m, G and A. Its relative key is D major.

The chords in the key

Each note of the scale builds a chord. The four-note versions add the seventh.

DegreeChordNotesRoleWith seventh
i Bm B – D – F♯ Tonic: home Bm7
ii° C♯dim C♯ – E – G Subdominant —
III D D – F♯ – A Relative major Dmaj7
iv Em E – G – B Subdominant Em7
v F♯m F♯ – A – C♯ Minor dominant F♯m7
VI G G – B – D Subdominant (epic colour) Gmaj7
VII A A – C♯ – E Subtonic A7

Scale

B – C♯ – D – E – F♯ – G – A

With a capo

To make a song sound in B minor with easy open shapes:

  • Capo on fret 2: play the shapes of A minor
  • Capo on fret 7: play the shapes of E minor

Frequently asked questions

What chords are in the key of B minor?

Its seven chords are Bm, C♯dim, D, Em, F♯m, G and A.

How many sharps or flats does B minor have?

It has 2 sharps in the key signature (F♯, C♯).

What is the relative key of B minor?

Its relative key is D major: they share the same notes and chords.

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