Guitar arpeggio

B Major Guitar Arpeggio

B Major is a three-note arpeggio built from B, D#, and F#. It is also commonly called B Major Triad. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.

Chord tones
B, D#, F#
Formula
1 3 5
Semitones
0 4 7
Chord symbols
Bmaj, BM
Also called
B Major Triad

How to read this arpeggio

The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent B root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.

Use the interactive fretboard to locate the B root notes and connect the remaining major chord tones across standard tuning.

This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called B Major Triad.

Chord construction and defining tones

3D#
5F#

B major combines 3 (D#) and 5 (F#). The major third establishes the major quality, and the perfect fifth completes the stable triad.

Harmonic use

Use this arpeggio to outline Bmaj and other major chords directly, especially when a line needs to land clearly on the chord rather than move through the full scale.

Practice this arpeggio on guitar

  1. Play the B Major arpeggio from one B root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
  2. Alternate between the root and 3 (D#) and 5 (F#), listening for how the third defines the chord more strongly than the fifth.
  3. Play short ascending and descending phrases over Bmaj, changing direction on a different chord tone each time.

Fretboard diagram

B Major Guitar Arpeggio fretboard diagram in standard tuning
B Major Guitar Arpeggio fretboard diagram in standard tuning.

Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool

Start with B Major loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Arpeggio diagrams by tuning