B Chords guitar

The B chord (B major chord) is played using four fingers. The index finger is used as a barre by placing it over all the strings in the second square. We put the middle finger on string 4 (D string) in the fourth square, the middle finger on string 3 (G string) in the fourth square and the little finger on string 2 (B string) in the fourth square. As a tab, this would be noted as follows: x24442.

B akkoord gitaar

Vingerzetting B akkoord

In the chord diagram, the characters X and O are included. The X means you don't play this string. The O means you don't play this string but you do play it. In guitar terms we call this an open string. Because the B chord is formed from open and struck strings, we also call it an open chord. If you pick the chord correctly, you can play the chord.

Fingering settings

If you turn the chord diagram B it will look like this:

• E string - x, don't play (thickest string)

• A string - 2 finger on second fret

• D string - 4 finger on fourth fret

• g string - 4 finger on fourth fret

• b string - 4 finger on fourth fret

• e string - 2 finger on second fret (thin string)

How do you play the B chord on your guitar?

How do you play a B chord neatly? If you listen carefully, all the strings you strike sound clear and warm. If, when you strike a chord, one of the strings is muffled by the other fingers, you will notice that the chord no longer sounds clear. Try to place your fingers better. The video below is played through the interactive media player.

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Songs

There are many songs that are played with the B chord. Below a list of easy, difficult and ProTabs songs in which the B chord is used. With the ProTabs songs you can play along synchronously, which makes it interactive and even more fun! Experience for yourself how easy and fun playing guitar can be!

Easy songs

• 4 Minute Warming - Radiohead

• Baby Blue - Gene Vincent

• Goodnight Saigon - Billy Joel

• Manos De Dios - 3 J'S

• Als Dit Alles Over Is - Bløf

Difficult songs

• Another Day - Bertolf

• Always The Sun - The Stranglers

• California Calling - Fickle Pickle

• Look What You Dun - Slade

• Be Like That - 3 Doors Down

ProTabs songs

• De Helft Van Mij - Bastiaan Ragas

• Weg Van Jou - Suzan en Freek

• 17 Miljoen Mensen - Davina Michelle

• I'm Yours - Jason Mraz

• Whatever It Takes - Imagine Dragons

Variations on B chords

There are several variations on the B chord. We cover the most common ones, also take a look at the minor, minor seventh and major seventh variations.

• Bm chord (B minor chord);

• B7 chord (B Major seventh);

• Bm7 chord (B minor seventh).

Barre Chords

Barré akkoord

As we have open chords in B, we can also play the B chord with a barré. A barré means that you put the index finger straight over all the strings and can play several strings with one finger. In most cases the open chords are shifted by means of a barré so that you get a different sound with the same chord. Curious how the barré chord is played correctly? Take a look at our lesson series!

Power chords

Power akkoord

Power chords are often used in rock music. Often this is a simplified version of the barre chord. In stead of playing all strings, a power chord allows you to play only three. Because you're only using three fingers, this will help speed things up. It's also a great start to learning the positions of barré chords. Check out our lesson series for more information on power chords.

Other major chords

Besides the B chord, there are 6 other root chords that are commonly used. Learn them all to be able to play as many songs as possible :)

• C chord;

• D chord;

• E chord;

• F chord;

• G chord;

• A chord;

• B chord.

Want to learn to play guitar and chords effectively join Guitar Tabs and follow our full guitar lesson learning schedule. Through video lessons we will help you step by step with the correct chords.

Best regards!

Levi van Gitaartabs