The Simplest B Chord Guitar Technique
The B power chord – properly referred to as a root-fifth chord – represents the starting point for most power chord progressions played where the 5th string provides the root note of each succeeding chord.
We begin by identifying the note B on the 5th string which is found on the second fret. Using basic music theory we walk up the scale on the A String (5th String) moving past A# on the 1st fret to the B on the 2nd fret.
Across the strings below the root B, the fingers will form what is called a bar. This simply means that one’s fingers lay across all the strings above the root, though in this chord it will not be necessary that adequate pressure for clear tone be applied to any string but the 5th string by the first finger.
Go ahead and strum the bar to make certain that the B is sounding clearly. The ideal position for fretting any note is as close to the higher fret bar as possible. Make certain that the bar finger is as close as it can be to the second fret bar.
If you get the dreaded fret buzz try moving your finger within the fret, closer to the fret bar is preferred but you might find it is easier for you to have your finger positioned in the middle of the fret. Also try pushing down harder with the tip of your finger, these methods should help you get that cleaner tone.
Adding the fifth note and the octave to this B power chord gives us a rich sounding chord. The fifth note in the B Major Scale is an F#, remember the B Major scale goes B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A#, B. We want to play the F# on the 3rd string from the top which is the D String. The B octave is found one string below the F#, still on the 4th fret.
There are two common methods available to you to fret the F# and B octave. The first is to use your ring and pinky fingers, these are your 3rd and 4th fingers, to fret the notes one by one. Your 3rd finger is likely to be stronger so you will want to use it when fretting the comparatively larger D string, then use your 4th finger for the B octave. Positioning the fingers as close to the fret bar will give you the best tone.
There is another method you can choose if you find it hard to keep your fingers in position, you can use your 3rd or 4th fingers to form another bar covering the 4th fret from D string down. Initially you will find it hard to stretch your 3rd finger into position correctly, but it does provide the quickest way to form the B Chord. Also using this 3rd finger technique keeps the 4th finger free for “trilling” which is a technique used in some rock music.
Visit Adam Summers at InstantGuitarist.com for more guides and tutorials so you can learn how to play guitar for free. You will also get more help on this often forgotten B Chord.
