All 5 ways to play B on guitar
-
x24442 at the 2nd fret -
x21402 open position -
xxx447 at the 4th fret -
799877 at the 7th fret -
x-x-9-11-12-11 at the 9th fret
Diagrams: strings run from the lowest on the left; X = don't play, O = open string, numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger).
How to play B on guitar
Main shape: x24442 (at the 2nd fret).
- Lay your index finger (1) flat across the strings from the A (5th) to the high E (1st) string at the 2nd fret (a barre).
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 4th fret of the D (4th) string.
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 4th fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Put your little finger (4) on the 4th fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Don't play the low E (6th) string (marked X).
- Strum from the A (5th) string down (5 strings).
B notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| B | 1 | root |
| D♯ | 3 | major 3rd |
| F♯ | 5 | perfect 5th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: B/D♯ (1st inversion) and B/F♯ (2nd inversion).
Easier ways to play B
- Put a capo on the 2nd fret and play the open A shape: it sounds as B.
- In rock songs, the B5 power chord (B and F♯ only) can stand in: it has no 3rd, so it is neither major nor minor.
B on piano and ukulele
-
B on piano B – D♯ – F♯ -
B on ukulele 4322
Which keys use B?
B is one of the basic chords of 6 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| E major | B | V | dominant |
| C♯ minor | B | VII | dominant |
| B major | B | I | tonic |
| G♯ minor | B | III | tonic |
| F♯ major | B | IV | predominant |
| D♯ minor | B | VI | tonic or predominant |
| E minor | B | V | dominant (harmonic minor) |
Progressions with B
- I–IV–V–I in E major: E – A – B – E The basic cadence: tonic, predominant, dominant, tonic.
- I–V–vi–IV in E major: E – B – C♯m – A The four-chord pop progression (also called the Axis progression).
- vi–IV–I–V in E major: C♯m – A – E – B The same four chords, starting on the minor vi.
- I–vi–IV–V in E major: E – C♯m – A – B The '50s or doo-wop progression.
- I–IV–vi–V in E major: E – A – C♯m – B The four chords of I–V–vi–IV in another order.