major chord
B major chord on guitar
The A shape moved up two frets with a barre. Bright, and it makes E songs complete.
Where the fingers go
- 1
index finger, A string, fret 2
Count from the thick string: E A.
- 2
middle finger, D string, fret 4
Count from the thick string: E A D.
- 3
ring finger, G string, fret 4
Count from the thick string: E A D G.
- 4
pinky, B string, fret 4
Count from the thick string: E A D G B.
- 5
index finger, thin e string, fret 2
The thinnest string, nearest the floor.
- 6
Strum 5 strings, from the A string down
Skip the thick E. It would add a note that does not belong.
The notes in B
A chord is three or four notes played together. B major is built from these:
| Note | Job in the chord | Where it is in this shape |
|---|---|---|
| B | root | A string, fret 2; G string, fret 4 |
| D# | major third | B string, fret 4 |
| F# | fifth | D string, fret 4; thin e string, fret 2 |
The root, B, is the note it is named after. The second note decides the mood: a major third sounds bright, a minor third sounds sad. This chord sounds bright and settled.
Where it sits on the circle of fifths
The circle of fifths lines up the twelve keys so that neighbours share the most notes. Chords next to each other on the circle sound good one after the other, which is why songs move between them.
- E and F# are B’s neighbours. Most songs in B use one or both.
- G#m is its relative minor: the same notes, a different home. Swapping between them changes the mood without changing your hand much.
The mistake everyone makes
Watch out
Muting the thin e
The barre at fret 2 has to reach the thin e string. If it will not, mute it on purpose and play five strings.
Tip
Use B7 while you learn
B7 is an open chord and does the same job in most songs. Come back to full B when your barre is strong.
Songs that use it
Songs in E. With E and A it completes the key.
None of the songs on the site use B yet. It is coming with the next batch.
Questions people ask
- Which strings do I strum for B major?
- 5 strings, from the A string down to the thin e. Skip the thick E string.
- What notes are in a B major chord?
- B, D#, F#. The B is the root, the note the chord is named after. The D# makes it major.
- What chords go with B?
- Its neighbours on the circle of fifths, E and F#, and its relative minor, G#m. Songs move between these because they share notes.