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.
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[edit] 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 |
[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.
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