B Major Guitar Chord
B
| Name | B major | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | B | D# | F# |
| Intervals | Rroot | 3major 3rd | 55th |
Root
Chord type
- Space Play
- Left arrowRight arrow Root
- Up arrowDown arrow Chord type
Shape
Tone
Dots show
B major has no comfortable open shape, so most players learn it at the 2nd fret. This version keeps it simple: one finger on the A string and your 3rd finger flattened across three strings at the 4th fret.
How to play the B chord
- Don't play the low E string.
- Lay your 3rd finger flat across the D to B strings at the 4th fret (a barre).
- Put your 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the A string (B).
- Keep the high E string quiet: let the edge of a fretting finger touch it lightly.
- Strum from the A string down, skipping the string above it.
TipFlatten your 3rd finger across the D, G and B strings at the 4th fret and let it lightly touch the high E so that string stays quiet. If the B string won't ring, bend that first finger joint back a little.
Easier versionEasy B (xx4442): just the top four strings. 2nd, 3rd and 4th fingers on the 4th fret of the D, G and B strings, 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the high E.
5 ways to play B
Every shape below is a real B, checked note by note: B, D#, F# and nothing else. Easiest first, with the dark dot on the root.
Bm vs B: hear the difference
Only one note changes: B has D# (the major 3rd), Bm has D (the minor 3rd). Play them back to back:
B
BD#F#
Bright and settled
Bm
BDF#
Darker and sadder
Chord progressions with B
Chords make sense once you move between them. Press play to hear each progression with the real recordings, one chord per bar, then play along. Tap any chord to open its page.
Practice changing to B
Switching chords cleanly is what makes a new chord usable in a song. Start the timer, then go back and forth between B and the chord you picked, strumming each one, and keep a count in your head. Your hands stay on the guitar the whole time. When it beeps, type in your count and try to beat it next time.
B to F#
60seconds
-last try
-your best
Songs that use B
- Creep by RadioheadSecond chord of G-B-C-Cm
- Yellow by ColdplayHome chord, verse B-F#-E
- Sweet Caroline by Neil DiamondHome chord, B-E-F# progression
- Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili PeppersVerse E-B-C#m-G#m-A
Learn it with a teacher
Diagrams show you where your fingers go. A teacher shows you how to make it sound good. Start with these video lessons from the Infinite Guitar library:
The Major Chord
Free with an account · Mike Edwin
Introduction To Guitar - Chords
Free with an account · Chris Feener
Chord Changes for Beginners - Transitions
Free with an account · Chris Feener
Mastering Bar Chords - Introduction
Free with an account · Chris Feener
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Chords related to B
Chords that go with B
Other B chords
Other major chords
B chord FAQ
What notes are in a B chord?
B has 3 notes: B (the root), D# (the major 3rd) and F# (the 5th). Every B shape on the guitar is those notes in a different order.
What is the difference between Bm and B?
Only one note changes: B has D# (the major 3rd), Bm has D (the minor 3rd). Use the player above to hear both.
Is B hard to play?
It's a step up from the first open chords: 2 fingers spread over a few frets. Start with the easy 4-string version above, then work toward the main shape.
How do you play B as a barre chord?
Barre the 7th fret with your 1st finger, using the E shape (7-9-9-8-7-7). That shape is movable: slide it up or down and it plays a major chord on every fret.
What key is B in?
It's the I chord in B major, the IV chord in F# major and the V chord in E major, so it fits in all three keys.