B chord (B major) on guitar
How to finger B, which notes it contains and which chords it is played with. Tap the diagram to hear it, then play it below in a progression with other chords.
About the B chord
B is B major. Notes: B – F# – D#. Formula: 1 – 3 – 5.
Difficulty: barre (3 out of 3). It needs a barre: one finger pressing several strings, which is practised separately. Beginners need it less often, but it adds a distinct colour to accompaniment and makes the sound richer.
How to place your fingers
- Barre at fret 2: one finger presses strings 5–1
- Other fingers: string 4 (D) — fret 4; string 3 (G) — fret 4; string 2 (B) — fret 4
- Do not play (mute): string 6 (E)
Where it appears
B is found in these keys: B (I), F# (IV), E (V).
Progressions with B
Every progression starts on B and all its chords come from one key, so the changes sound natural. Play them in the block above; the Roman numerals show each chord's degree.
Try it in practice
Practise chord changes