How to play B on guitar (and easier ways)
B major is an A-shape barre: the index bars the 2nd fret while three fingers crowd onto the 4th fret.
The 3D hands holding B. Switch to 0.5× and turn the guitar to see each finger.
Where the fingers go
- Index finger (1) lies across the 5 strings from the A (5th) to the high E (1st) at fret 2.
- Middle finger (2) on the D (4th) string, fret 4.
- Ring finger (3) on the G (3rd) string, fret 4.
- Pinky finger (4) on the B (2nd) string, fret 4.
- Do not play low E (6th).
Notes in the chord: B – F# – Eb
Tips
- Many players bar the 4th, 3rd and 2nd strings with the ring finger instead of using three fingers. Bend the ring finger back so the 1st string still rings.
- Mute the low E with the tip of the index finger.
- If the 1st string will not ring, leave it out. The chord still sounds like B.
Easier ways to play B
B (small, 4 strings)
x x 4 4 4 2
No full barre; four strings only.
B7
x 2 1 2 0 2
An open chord. It sounds more bluesy but often fits where B leads back to E.
With a capo
Capo 2 and play an A shape for the same pitch. Work out other keys with the capo calculator.
Practise B inside a real song
Paste the chords of any song that uses B, or snap a photo of the sheet. SnapFret plays it with the hands, and you can loop the change you find hardest.
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