Guitar Chords Play
The B Chords

B Major

While B major does have an open fingering in the easy guitar chords play, we’re not going to cover it here. It’s the first major chord we’re learning on the neck that’s a barre chord. I guess this is why my first guitar teacher never showed me this chord.

Wouldn’t you know it, in the guitar chords play, Bmaj is also a little challenging for first-timers. Don’t worry, it’s doable. Just takes a little practice.

Guitar chords to play - B Major 01

You’re starting the B chord on the second fret by barring strings 1 through 5 (A through e) with your index finger. This is because you won’t strum the low E when playing this chord. As you get comfortable with the fingering, you can muffle low E with your thumb, but it’s not a big deal right now.

Anyway, you’re barring the strings at the second fret with your index finger. On the second, third, and fourth strings (B, G and D), press with your ring finger at the fourth fret.

Not TOO bad now, is it? Again, this is a lot easier on an electric than on an acoustic guitar.



Guitar chords to play - B Major 02

You can also do a B chord at the seventh fret. Move your fingers up the neck towards the guitar body to the seventh fret. Bar all six strings at the seventh fret with your index finger. Press your middle finger on the third string (G string) at the eighth fret. Press your ring finger on the fifth string (A string) and pinky on the fourth string (D string), both at the ninth fret.



Bm - B Minor

Guitar chords to play - B Minor 01

For B minor, you use the fingering from Am with a little twist – that’s right just add the bar. So, the index finger goes all the way across strings 1 through 5. Press your middle finger to the second string (B) at the third fret. Your ring finger goes on the fourth string (D) and pinky on the third string (G), both at the fourth fret.



Guitar chords to play - B Minor 02

Same goes for the Bm at the seventh fret. Just like Am at the fifth fret. Do you remember what to do for the Am chord? That's right, bar all six strings with your index finger, but move up to the seventh fret. The ring and pinky fingers will be on the ninth fret on strings 5 and 4 (A and D).



That’s it for the B chords! Ready to move on to the next guitar chords play – the C chords? All right, Rock & Roll!