B minor

B minor is a minor scale based on B, consisting of the pitches B, C-sharp, D, E, F-sharp, G, A-sharp and B (harmonic minor scale). Its key signature consists of two sharps. In German it is referred to as "h-moll", or "H minor".

Related Topics:
Minor scale - Key signature

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Its relative major is D major, and its parallel major is B major.

Related Topics:
Relative major - D major - Parallel major - B major

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Changes needed for the melodic and harmonic versions of the scale are written in with accidentals as necessary.

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Though B minor is closely related to D major, a very common key, B minor is not used frequently as the main key of a work of classical music. It is not an open string or natural harmonic on any instrument, except for a few string basses with an extra low B string, making it somewhat unsuitable for symphonic music. Notable examples of works in B minor include Schubert's Unfinished Symphony, and J. S. Bach's Mass in B minor.

Related Topics:
Open string - Natural harmonic - String basses - Schubert - Unfinished Symphony - J. S. Bach - Mass in B minor

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It is a common key used in rock, folk, country and other guitaristic styles because the standard tuning of a guitar causes all the open strings to be scale degrees of B minor.

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