B (musical note)

B is the seventh note of the C major scale.

When calculated in equal temperament with a reference of A above middle C as 440 Hz, the frequency of the B note is approximately 493.883 Hz. See pitch (music) for a discussion of historical variations in frequency.

1 Designation by octave
2 Variation of meaning in accordance with geographical region
- 2.1 In the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland
- 2.2 In most of continental Europe

Designation by octave

Scientific Designation	Helmholtz Designation	Octave Name	Frequency (Hz)
B-1	Bˌˌˌ	Subsubcontra	15.434
B0	Bˌˌ	Subcontra	30.868
B1	Bˌ	Contra	61.735
B2	B	Great	123.471
B3	b	Small	246.942
B4	b′	One-lined	493.883
B5	b″	Two-lined	987.767
B6	b′″	Three-lined	1975.533
B7	b″″	Four-lined	3951.066
B8	b′″″	Five-lined	7902.133
B9	b″″″	Six-lined	15804.266

Variation of meaning in accordance with geographical region

The referent of the musical note B varies by location. See note for a discussion on other differences in letter naming of the notes.

In the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland

B usually refers to the note a semitone below C, while B flat refers to the note a whole tone below C.

In most of continental Europe

B is used to mean what above is called B flat and H is used to mean what above is called B. This makes possible certain spellings which are otherwise impossible, such as the BACH motif.

v • d • e Notes of the Chromatic Scale

C · C♯ · D♭ · D · D♯ · E♭ · E · F · F♯ · G♭ · G · G♯ · A♭ · A · A♯ · B♭ · B

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B (musical note)

Contents

Designation by octave

Variation of meaning in accordance with geographical region

In the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland

In most of continental Europe