Key of B minor

Key signature: 2 sharps (F♯, C♯). Scale: B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G, A. Chords: Bm, C♯dim, D, Em, F♯m, G, A.

Chords in B minor

Each scale degree has a triad and a four-note seventh chord. Tap a chord for the guitar shape.

iBmBm7 ii°C♯dimC♯m7b5 IIIDDmaj7 ivEmEm7 vF♯mF♯m7 VIGGmaj7 VIIAA7

Capo tip: on guitar, put a capo on fret 7 and play the shapes of E minor – then 4 of the main chords are easy open shapes (3 without a capo).

The B minor scale

BiC♯ii°DIIIEivF♯vGVIAVII

Full scale page and other scales from this note →

Common progressions in B minor

Progression	Chords	Generator
Minor ii–V–i	C♯m7b5 – F♯7 – Bm7 – Bm7	Open in generator
Andalusian cadence	Bm – A – G – F♯	Open in generator
Epic minor (i–VI–III–VII)	Bm – G – D – A	Open in generator
Minor cadence (i–iv–V–i)	Bm – Em – F♯ – Bm	Open in generator
Minor ballad (i–VII–VI–VII)	Bm – A – G – A	Open in generator

Major keys

Minor keys

Frequently asked questions

How many sharps or flats are in B minor?

B minor has 2 sharps (F♯, C♯). Its relative major is D major, with the same key signature.

What chords are in the key of B minor?

The triads built on the scale degrees: Bm, C♯dim, D, Em, F♯m, G, A. The main chords used most often: Bm, Em, G, A.

Why is the V chord often major in minor songs?

In natural minor the v chord is minor (F♯m), but harmonic minor raises the 7th, which makes it major and pulls harder back to the tonic. That's the classic minor cadence.

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