B (musical note)

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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.

Contents

[edit] Designation by octave

Scientific Designation Helmholtz Designation Octave Name Frequency (Hz)
B-1 Bˌˌˌ Subsubcontra 15.434
B0 Bˌˌ Subcontra 30.868
B1 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

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.