Easiest Technique To Learn The B Chord

Fifth string power chords are easiest ways to get the sound of a chord without complex finger positions. Playing the B chord on guitar using a 5th string power chord is the simplest way to play a B Chord.

First off we need to find the B note to use as our root note in the chord. We’re not going to use the 6th string (low E) so we move down to the A string and count up from there, we go past A# and find the B on the second fret.

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.

Now we strum the bar to ensure the B note is played cleanly. The best place for your fingers when fretting any note is to be as close to the actual fret (metal bar) as is possible. Look at your index finger and make sure it’s pushed up as close to the fret as you can for the best tone.

If you get the dreaded fret buzz try moving your finger within the fret, closer to the fret bar is preferred but you might find it is easier for you to have your finger positioned in the middle of the fret. Also try pushing down harder with the tip of your finger, these methods should help you get that cleaner tone.

This is a root-fifth chord so it’s time to add the fifth and the octave to the chord to complete the sound. The fifth will be “F#” which is found on the 4th fret of the 4th string. The octave will be B, obviously, and that is found on the 4th fret of the 3rd string. The simple geometry of this chord has a lot to do with it being so popular in rock music.

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.

The second method available to you might help if your fingers get tired in that position, you simply create another bar with your ring or pinky finger from the 3rd string down. For the first few times the stretch from the first finger on the 2nd fret to the 3rd finger on the 4th fret will be painful, but over time this will prove to be the fastest way to for the B chord on your guitar. Keeping your fourth finger free will allow you to use the trill technique which you will hear in some rock songs.

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.