The B Note
B is a white key on the piano. It sounds at 493.88 Hz in octave 4.
B on the piano
Key facts
- On the keyboard
- a white key on the piano.
- Frequency (octave 4)
- 493.88 Hz
- MIDI number (octave 4)
- 71
- Also written as
- C♭
- In key signatures
- Never appears as an accidental in a key signature.
B and its enharmonic spellings
B can also be written as C♭. These are enharmonic equivalents: the same pitch, the same key on the piano, a different name on the page. Which spelling is correct depends on the key and on how the note functions, not on the sound.
B frequency in every octave
Frequencies for B in scientific pitch notation, with A4 tuned to 440 Hz.
| Note | MIDI | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| B1 | 35 | 61.74 Hz |
| B2 | 47 | 123.47 Hz |
| B3 | 59 | 246.94 Hz |
| B4 | 71 | 493.88 Hz |
| B5 | 83 | 987.77 Hz |
| B6 | 95 | 1975.53 Hz |
| B7 | 107 | 3951.07 Hz |
Chords on B
The most common chords built with B as the root.
Scales starting on B
Keys and scales that use B as their tonic.
All notes
Frequently asked questions
Where is B on the piano?
B is a white key on the piano.
What frequency is B4?
B4 sounds at 493.88 Hz with A4 tuned to 440 Hz.
What is another name for B?
B can also be written as C♭. They are the same pitch spelled differently.
