B Guitar Chord
B is a major chord. Major chords sound bright and stable, the most basic chord sound there is. Its notes are B, D# and F#. Below are 2 ways to play it, each with a chord diagram, tab and finger numbers.
Notes in B
| Note | Degree | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| B | R | Root |
| D# | 3 | Major 3rd |
| F# | 5 | Perfect 5th |
Formula: 1–3–5
B 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 2fr
Easiest- Tab (6th → 1st string)
- x 2 4 4 4 2
- Fingers
- – 1 3 3 3 1
E-shape 7fr
- Tab (6th → 1st string)
- 7 9 9 8 7 7
- Fingers
- 1 3 4 2 1 1
How to play B (easiest shape)
Shape: A-shape 2fr, tab x 2 4 4 4 2 (6th to 1st string).
- 1Lay your index finger (1) flat across the 5th to 1st strings at the 2nd fret (a barre).
- 2Press the 4th to 2nd strings at the 4th fret with your ring finger (3).
- 3Don't play the 6th string.
- 4Strum down from the 5th string to the 1st string.
B: common questions
- What notes are in the B chord?
- B has 3 notes: B, D# and F#. Counted from the root, that is 1–3–5.
- Is there an easier way to play B?
- The easiest shape on this page is "A-shape 2fr" (x 2 4 4 4 2). Every shape on this page is a barre chord. Barre shapes are movable: keep the same hand shape and slide it along the neck to play this type of chord from other roots.
Related chords
More guitar tools
See all 231 chords in the chord library, find a scale to play over them, or tune up before you start.