I remember when I was first starting guitar. Learning the B guitar Chord was always a challenge!
Here is an easy way to learn the B Chord on guitar from the 1st fret all the way to the 12th fret.
(Tip don’t miss out on 14 basic guitar chords every guitarist should know)
What you will learn in this free-lesson:
- Where the B Chord comes from
- How To Read A Chord Chart
- How to play the B Chord, (Even if you can’t barre yet!)
- What notes are in the B Chord?
- What scale should be used over the B Chord
Ready? Let’s dive in!
Where The B Chord Comes From:
When we refer to the B Chord, we are referring to B Major. Knowing this means that we now know that the B chord derives from the B Major scale.
The B Major Scale. The notes of the B major scale are B – C# – D# – E – F# – G# – A# – B. The note, B repeats one octave higher. Its key signature has five sharps
In order to achieve a B-major chord we must have in it B – F# – D#. Those 3 notes played together make up the chord.
Now that we know where the B-major chord comes from, and we know which notes make up the chord when played together.
Let’s take a look at a chord chart so that we can make sure that we understand how to read one.
How To Read A Chord Chart:
The vertical lines on a guitar fingering chart represent the six strings of the guitar.
The low E string (the thickest one) is on the left of the diagram, followed by the A, D, G, B and high E string, which is on the right of the diagram.
The string names are sometimes noted at the bottom of the guitar chord chart.
To really drive this home, please take a look at the video below of the explanation on how to read a chord chart!
Now that we understand how to read a chord chart let’s dive in and get started with the first postion of the B chord we’ll be learning today.
B Chord at 2nd Fret
The first shape that we will be working on will require your index finger on the 5th string, second fret.
Followed by your ring finger barring from strings 4, 3, and 2 on the 4th fret. Check out the image below to see.
B Chord Simplified Version
I understand that the barre chord might be difficult for some of you.
Although I encourage all of you to work on barre chords because they are essential to rock and blues guitar.
I have also added a simplified version below that you can play without the barre. This version of the chord looks like this.
B Chord at the 6th Fret
Our next chord shape takes place at the 6th fret. Place your ring finger on the 5th string of the 6th fret, and barre with your index finger the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings on the 4th fret.
These notes when played are D# – F# – B – D#. Watch the video below to see how to properly play this chord voicing.
B Chord at the 7th fret ( the main B Barre Chord)
The next chord voicing is the bread and butter of all B major barre chords.
Once again if you struggle with bar chords I highly recommend working on your finger dexterity and strengthening your index finger as much as you can.
This chord shape starts at the 7th Fret. The index finger plays from the lowest E string down to the 2nd string on the 7th fret barred.
Once you have that in place, use your middle finger at the 8th fret, third string. Then lastly, place your ring finger on the 5th string of the 9th fret and your pinky finger on the 4th string of the 9th fret.
The notes you are playing for this chord shape is as follows
B – F# – B – D# – F#
This chord shape looks like this.
B Chord Simplified Triad Voicing
A simplified version of this chord shape would to strictly play a triad. A triad is simply 3 notes that make up the major chord played at once.
For this shape we will only barre 2 strings so its great for beginner guitarists that are working on their barre style chord shapes, but don’t quite have the strength yet to accomplish a full barre.
This triad takes place at the 8th fret with your middle finger on the 3rd string of the 8th fret.
Followed by your index finger barring the 1st and 2nd strings on the 7th fret. This B triad looks like this.
9th Fret B Chord
Second to last- today we will be playing at the 9th fret.
On the 9th fret 4th string you will place your ring finger.
On the 8th fret 3rd string you will place your middle finger, and lastly you will barre your first finger on strings 1 and 2.
We did this in the previous chord triad on the 7th fret.
This chord shape all together looks like this.
B Chord Triad 12th fret
Lastly, to top us off at the 12th fret I have one more shape for you to check out.
This shape is another triad. Your first finger will go on the 11th fret on the 3rd string.
Your 2nd finger will go on the 1st string of the 11th fret.
Lastly, your ring finger will go on the 12th fret on the 2nd string. This chord looks like this.
What Scale to Play Over this Chord?
If you were to play lead guitar over this chord, you could easily play any of the notes in the B-major scale.
Here is what the most common pattern looks like in the key of B.
Now you have multiple ways to play a B chord across the guitar neck. If you really want to take your playing to the next level. Check out the best online guitar learning platform here. Which chord voicing will you work on and add into your playing first?
Comment below and let me know!
