Simplest Technique To Master The B Chord Guitar Chart

A root-fifth chord, also known as a power chord is the simplest way to play a B Chord on the guitar. The 5th String gives you the root note for each subsequent chord in power chord progressions.

We can find the B root note on the second fret of the fifth string, otherwise known as the open A string. See if you can find it yourself first. If not just move up to the first fret and you get A#, and the next one along is the B. So, we use the second fret of the A string.

Across the strings below the root B, the fingers will form what is called a bar. This simply means that one’s fingers lay across all the strings above the root, though in this chord it will not be necessary that adequate pressure for clear tone be applied to any string but the 5th string by the first finger.

Go ahead and strum the bar to make certain that the B is sounding clearly. The ideal position for fretting any note is as close to the higher fret bar as possible. Make certain that the bar finger is as close as it can be to the second fret bar.

If there is buzz in the note, increase the pressure. If that doesn’t remedy the problem, adjust the position of the fingers relative to the second fret bar. Some minor adjustments such as these should help to alleviate any deficiencies in one’s tone.

Now we can add the fifth note of the chord, being a root-fifth chord, and we find that by looking for the F# on the next string down. This is the D string, so we count up through D#, E, F to F# on the fourth fret. We also need to add an octave, which is not completely necessary however you do get a fuller more complete sound from the chord if you can manage it. The octave is a B note 12 steps higher than the root note, we find that on the next string down, G on the fourth fret.

Now we need to find a way to fret the F# on the D string, and B octave on the G string. One way is to use your 3rd and 4th fingers to fret the strings individually. Since your ring finger- 3rd- is likely to be stronger than your pinky use this to fret the D string, and the pinky for the G string. As above try to get your fingers as close to the metal fret bar so you get the best tone for this B Chord.

If this method proves immediately fatiguing, try barring the other two notes with either the ring or the pinky finger. The ring finger is stronger but requires more stretching. It does allow for one to trill one fret above the 4th fret which is a common motif in rock music.

For a complete run down on the b chord guitar chart and finger position visit Adam Summer’s website on how to play the guitar for beginners.