If you are a fan of the blues, you’ll want to learn how to play the B7 guitar chord, which emanates a melodic and dark sound. There are a few ways to play it, so keep reading to learn about the B7 techniques.
Standard Way to Play the B7 Guitar Chord
Try the below version for a full-sounding B7 guitar chord that is easier than the regular barre variety.
- Index finger: place it on the 4th (D) string on the 1st fret
- Middle finger: put it on the 5th (A) string on the 2nd fret
- Ring finger: set it on the 3rd (G) string on the 2nd fret
- Pinky finger: lay it on the 1st (E) string on the 2nd fret
You only strum the first five strings. If this fingering seems too tricky at first, try playing it without using your pinky. You can also move your pinky to the 2nd (B) string. Make sure to strum it before performing to see how seamlessly it fits with your song.
Try a harder chord: F# major
B7 Chord Using A7 Barre Chord Shape
This technique is similar to the B major guitar chord but without your finger on the 3rd (G) string:
- Index finger: put it on the 2nd fret, barre the 1st (E) through 5th (A) strings
- Middle finger: leave it off the strings
- Ring finger: place it on the 4th (D) string on the 4th fret
- Pinky finger: set it on the 2nd (B) string on the 4th fret
Make sure only to strum the first five strings. Leave that 6th (low E) string alone. Ensure the chord rings nicely when you strum the chord, since barre chords require plenty of practice to work well in a song.
Next barre to try: Eb minor (E flat minor)
Variations on B7
The two-finger method of playing B7 is as follows:
- Index finger: set it on the 4th fret, barre it over the 2nd (B), 3rd (G), and 4th (D) strings
- Middle finger: place it on the 1st (E) string on the 5th fret
- Ring and pinky fingers stay off the strings
Another easy barre is a variant of the C# chord – try it next!
Here is another simple alternative using four fingers:
- Index finger: put it on the 6th (low E) string on the 7th fret
- Middle finger: press the 4th (D) string on the 7th fret
- Ring finger: set it on the 2nd (B) string on the 7th fret
- Pinky finger: place it on the 3rd (G) string on the 8th fret
A more complex alternative than the original goes as such:
- Index finger: place it on the 4th (D) string on the 9th fret
- Middle finger: put it on the 2nd (B) string on the 10th fret
- Ring finger: press the 3rd (G) string on the 11th fret
- Pinky finger: set it on the 1st (E) string on the 11th fret
Try to practice all of the methods of playing the B7 chord before settling on your favorite. When performing, you will want to move to the voicing closest to your previous note. For example, the D chord is similar to the standard B7 fingering.
Also, check that it suits your music genre. Funky guitar songs sound best with high-pitched chords, whereas rock songs benefit from low-pitched varieties.
Try more chords:
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