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About B5
B5 has a frequency of 987.77 Hz in standard tuning, where A4 is fixed at 440 Hz. It is MIDI note 83 and key number 63 on an 88-key piano.
In equal temperament every semitone multiplies the frequency by the twelfth root of two (≈1.05946), so B5 is 14 semitones above A4: f = 440 × 2^((83 − 69) / 12) = 987.77 Hz. The number in the name is the octave in scientific pitch notation, which starts each octave on C.
B5 frequency in different tunings
| Tuning reference | B5 frequency |
|---|---|
| A4 = 440 Hz (ISO 16 standard) | 987.77 Hz |
| A4 = 442 Hz (many European orchestras) | 992.26 Hz |
| A4 = 443 Hz (Berlin, Vienna) | 994.5 Hz |
| A4 = 435 Hz (French diapason normal, 1859) | 976.54 Hz |
| A4 = 432 Hz (alternative tuning) | 969.81 Hz |
| A4 = 415 Hz (Baroque pitch) | 931.64 Hz |
| C4 = 256 Hz (scientific pitch) | 966.53 Hz |
Where to play B5 on a guitar
Standard tuning (E A D G B E), frets 0–22.
- 1st string (high E), fret 19
Intervals from B5
| Interval | Note | Frequency | Ratio (just) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor second | C6 | 1.047 kHz | 16:15 |
| Major second | C♯6 | 1.109 kHz | 9:8 |
| Minor third | D6 | 1.175 kHz | 6:5 |
| Major third | D♯6 | 1.245 kHz | 5:4 |
| Perfect fourth | E6 | 1.319 kHz | 4:3 |
| Tritone | F6 | 1.397 kHz | 45:32 |
| Perfect fifth | F♯6 | 1.48 kHz | 3:2 |
| Minor sixth | G6 | 1.568 kHz | 8:5 |
| Major sixth | G♯6 | 1.661 kHz | 5:3 |
| Minor seventh | A6 | 1.76 kHz | 9:5 |
| Major seventh | A♯6 | 1.865 kHz | 15:8 |
| Octave | B6 | 1.976 kHz | 2:1 |
Instruments and voices that can play B5
Frequently asked questions
What is the frequency of B5?
B5 is 987.77 Hz when A4 = 440 Hz (969.81 Hz if A4 = 432 Hz).
What MIDI number is B5?
B5 is MIDI note number 83.
Is B5 on a piano?
Yes – it is key 63 of 88.
Where is B5 on the guitar?
In standard tuning: 1st string (high E), fret 19.