B7 chord (B dominant 7th) on guitar
How to finger B7, 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 B7 chord
B7 is B dominant 7th. Notes: B – D# – A – F#. Formula: 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7.
Difficulty: harder than medium (2 out of 3). A stretch or an unfamiliar shape: learn it after the basic chords. The chord is common, especially in blues, rock and pop, so it is worth knowing after the basics.
How to place your fingers
- String 6 (E): do not play
- String 5 (A): fret 2
- String 4 (D): fret 1
- String 3 (G): fret 2
- String 2 (B): open
- String 1 (e): fret 2
Where it appears
B7 is found in these keys: E (V7), B (I7 (blues)), F# (IV7 (blues)).
Progressions with B7
Every progression starts on B7 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