Learn › B Major Chord Inversions (B, B/D#, B/F#)
New Released in April 2026
B Major Chord Inversions (B, B/D#, B/F#)
The B major chord has three positions. Put D# in the bass for the 1st inversion (B/D#) and F# in the bass for the 2nd inversion (B/F#). Root position starts on B. Learn to spot each inversion by its shape, then use them to move between chords without jumps.
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The three positions of B
The lowest note names the inversion. The chord is still B.
Root position: B D# F#
1st inversion: D# F# B
2nd inversion: F# B D#
- Root position: starts on B, a white key; black keys: D#, F#
- 1st inversion: starts on D#, a black key; black keys: D#, F#
- 2nd inversion: starts on F#, a black key; black keys: F#, D#
Move from B to E and F# without jumping
Played in root position, B, E and F# make the hand jump. With inversions every chord sits in the same place: B → E/B → F#/A# → B. Most notes stay, the others move a step.
- From B to E/B: B stays, D# → E, F# → G#.
- From E/B to F#/A#: B → A#, E → C#, G# → F#.
- From F#/A# to B: A# → B, C# → D#, F# stays.
Root position or inversion? The quick check for B
Two thirds stacked = root position. A fourth anywhere = an inversion, and the root is its top note.
| Position | Bass | Name | Figured bass | Shape (bottom to top) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root position | B | B | 5/3 | major 3rd + minor 3rd |
| 1st inversion | D# | B/D# | 6 (6/3) | minor 3rd + perfect 4th |
| 2nd inversion | F# | B/F# | 6/4 | perfect 4th + major 3rd |
B inversions: which fingers
| Position | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|
| Root position (B D# F#) | 1-3-5 | 5-3-1 |
| 1st inversion (D# F# B) | 1-2-5 | 5-3-1 |
| 2nd inversion (F# B D#) | 1-3-5 | 5-2-1 |
Keep the thumb on the lowest note in the right hand and the little finger on the lowest note in the left.
Train B inversions in a game
In ChordRunner any inversion of B counts: play root position, B/D# or B/F# and the runner jumps. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.
Play the demoCommon questions
What is the first inversion of B major?
The 1st inversion of B is D# F# B, written B/D#: the third, D#, is in the bass and B moves to the top. In figured bass it is a 6 chord.
What is the second inversion of B major?
The 2nd inversion is F# B D#, written B/F#: the fifth, F#, is in the bass. Figured bass calls it a 6/4 chord.
What fingering do I use for B inversions?
Right hand: 1-3-5 for root position and 2nd inversion, 1-2-5 for the 1st inversion. Left hand: 5-3-1 for root position and 1st inversion, 5-2-1 for the 2nd inversion.
When are B inversions used?
Whenever B follows or precedes a nearby chord. In B → E/B → F#/A# → B the bass walks by small steps and the right hand hardly moves, which is how accompaniments sound smooth.
Does ChordRunner accept B in any inversion?
Yes. Play B/D#, B/F# or root position on a USB MIDI keyboard, detected automatically, or on an acoustic piano through the microphone: if the notes are B, D# and F#, it counts.
Your instrument is the controller.
ChordRunner is a browser game that teaches piano and guitar chords: a chord appears on screen, you play it on a real instrument, and your runner jumps. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.
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