A#5 / Bb5 Guitar Chord

A#5 (also written Bb5) is a power chord. It has only the root and the fifth, with no third, so it is neither major nor minor and stays clear under heavy distortion. Its notes are Bb and F. Below are 2 ways to play it, each with a chord diagram, tab and finger numbers.

Notes in A#5 / Bb5

A#5 and Bb5 are two names for the same chord. The notes below are spelled as Bb5.

NoteDegreeInterval
BbRRoot
F5Perfect 5th

Formula: 1–5

A#5 / Bb5 chord shapes

Finger numbers: 1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 pinky. In the tab, x means don't play that string and 0 means play it open. In the diagrams the top line is the 1st (thinnest) string and the nut is on the left.

  • A-shape 1fr

    Easiest
    ✕134✕✕
    Tab (6th → 1st string)
    x 1 3 3 x x
    Fingers
    – 1 3 4 – –
  • E-shape 6fr

    6fr134✕✕✕
    Tab (6th → 1st string)
    6 8 8 x x x
    Fingers
    1 3 4 – – –

How to play A#5 / Bb5 (easiest shape)

Shape: A-shape 1fr, tab x 1 3 3 x x (6th to 1st string).

✕134✕✕
  1. 1Put your index finger (1) on the 5th string at the 1st fret.
  2. 2Put your ring finger (3) on the 4th string at the 3rd fret.
  3. 3Put your pinky (4) on the 3rd string at the 3rd fret.
  4. 4Don't play the 6th string.
  5. 5Keep the 2nd and 1st strings quiet: stop your strum at the 3rd string, or let a fretting finger touch them lightly.
  6. 6Strum down from the 5th string to the 3rd string.

A#5 / Bb5: common questions

What notes are in the A#5 / Bb5 chord?
A#5 and Bb5 are two names for the same chord. Spelled as Bb5, it has 2 notes: Bb and F. Counted from the root, that is 1–5.
Is there an easier way to play A#5 / Bb5?
The easiest shape on this page is "A-shape 1fr" (x 1 3 3 x x). It needs no barre: each finger presses just one string.

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