B Major Triads on Guitar: Every Inversion on Every String Set
A B major triad is B, D and F (1 3 5). It has three arrangements, root position, first inversion and second inversion, and each can be played on four groups of three strings: all twelve shapes are below.
Keys
CAGED Chords — B
Triads — B
Root position
First inversion
Second inversion
All inversions
The notes of B
B major is a major third (four frets) with a minor third (three frets) on top. Root position puts B at the bottom (B, D and F); first inversion puts D at the bottom (D, F and B); second inversion puts F at the bottom (F, B and D).
B on every string set
On the low E, A and D strings: root position at frets 4–7, first inversion at frets 9–11 and second inversion at frets 1–2.
On the A, D and G strings: root position at frets 11–14, first inversion at frets 4–6 and second inversion at frets 8–9.
On the D, G and B strings: root position at frets 7–9, first inversion at frets 0–13 and second inversion at fret 4.
On the G, B and high e strings: root position at frets 2–4, first inversion at frets 7–8 and second inversion at frets 0–11.
Where the inversions sit in the CAGED shapes
The practice pad above shows B's triads inside each CAGED shape. Use the R, 2, 3 and V switches to see each arrangement:
- Root position: C shape (fret 11), A shape (fret 2), G shape (fret 4) and E shape (fret 7).
- First inversion: C shape (fret 11), G shape (fret 4) and E shape (fret 7).
- Second inversion: C shape (fret 11), A shape (fret 4) and E shape (fret 8).
Where B appears
B belongs to 8 keys: V in E major, IV in F major and I in B major; VII in C minor, VI in E♭ minor and III in G minor; VI in E♭ harmonic minor and V in E harmonic minor.
Of those, E major and E harmonic minor are keys guitarists play in constantly, because their open strings ring with the scale, so B turns up often in songs.
Open strings and capo options for B
One open string is part of B: the B string (root). Because the root is among them, you can let it drone under any of the shapes.
To get an open-sounding voicing, use a capo: the A shape with the capo at fret 2, the G shape with the capo at fret 4 and the E shape with the capo at fret 7.
Closely related chords
The closest chords to B share two of its three notes: its relative minor and the chords a fourth and a fifth away, which are its neighbours in B major.
B triad FAQs
What notes are in a B major triad?
B, D♯ and F♯. The formula is 1 3 5.
What is the first inversion of B?
D♯, F♯ and B, with D♯ in the bass. On the G, B and high e strings it sits at fret 8, fret 7 and fret 7.
How many B triad shapes are there?
Twelve to learn: root position and two inversions on each of the four three-string sets. They repeat twelve frets higher.
Related
Learn more
How to use guitar triads explains inversions and how to use them in rhythm parts and solos, and triads on all string sets goes through each set in turn. The triad library has every chord.