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B is one of the seven natural musical notes in the Western music system. It is located between A and C and is the seventh note of the C major scale.
What is the musical note B?
On the piano, B is the white key immediately to the right of the group of three black keys. It is a natural note and appears in many major and minor scales, including C major and G major.
In scientific pitch notation, the B above middle C is called B4. B is also the root note of the B major and B minor scales and chords.
International and European note names
In English-speaking countries and most international music publications, the note is called B. In some European countries, including Germany and Denmark, a different naming system has traditionally been used. When reading older European music theory books or sheet music, it is useful to be aware of this difference.
How is B used in piano playing?
B is an important reference note on the piano and appears in countless melodies, scales and chords. Learning to recognize its position on the keyboard makes it easier to play in keys such as C major, G major, E minor and B major.
As with all natural notes, becoming familiar with every B across the keyboard helps improve orientation, sight-reading and overall keyboard fluency.