Scale degrees · B major
The ♭2 of B is C
The ♭2 (flat two, written b2) of B is C: a minor second above the root.
B — the root, 1C — the ♭2
How to find it
Count letters first, the root included: B, C. A 2nd lands on C.
Then the sound: a minor second is 1 semitones above B, which is exactly where C is — no sharp or flat needed.
Where you meet it
The ♭2 is a half step above the root. It is the note that makes Phrygian sound dark, and the root of the ♭II7 chord, the tritone substitute for the V7 that resolves to B.
In the scale B Phrygian:
B · C · D · E · F♯ · G · A
The ♭2 in every key
| Key | The ♭2 |
|---|---|
| C | D♭ |
| G | A♭ |
| D | E♭ |
| A | B♭ |
| E | F |
| B | C |
| F♯ | G |
| D♭ | E𝄫 |
| A♭ | B𝄫 |
| E♭ | F♭ |
| B♭ | C♭ |
| F | G♭ |
Every degree of B
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