Guitar Chords in B Major

The guitar chords in B Major: B, C#m, D#m, E, F# (F#7), G#m, A#o (A sharp diminished).

In this set of chords, we will move the C#m shape to the D#m (fret 6), & the F# shape to the G#m (fret 4 - but with a flat 3rd - on the 3rd string).

The A#o is the same shape & fingering as the Bo (B diminished) in the key of C. There are 5 sharps in the key of B.

To Do

• Fret all of the guitar chords in B. Get used to how they feel.
• Practice the scale - repeatedly - focusing on different aspects on each pass, such as how's the tension in my fretting hand, my motor hand? Now, how's my pick, am I wasting energy, am I hungry? Can I feel my legs?
• Notice you have a choice where you play the B & E tones. I've colorized those letters to draw attention to this.
• Play the Chord Scale, immediately.
• Play some progressions: I-vi-ii-V7-I or I-V-I-IV.
• Write your own progression

F#7 is the V7 (the Dominant 7) for the key of B. For this chord, to play all of the tones, you may have to press the bar over the span of all of the strings.

It is possible to have 2 'mini-bars' within the one fret space (fret system). The upper knuckle (flattened out) of the index can play the lower 3 strings (even though 5 string isn't needed), & at the same time, press with the middle knuckle to press the 2 & 1. Experiment.

When we play a bar chord like this, we may constantly press & touch (touch is a mute - a chuk). This rests the hand while acheiving a rhythmic effect (if we are hitting it as a mute). Holding a bar chord for a long time can start to hurt. Be economical with your barring. Use minimum pressure, & take breaks.

These guitar chords in B aren't the easiest in the arsenal, yet are necessary to know. It is interesting to note that for the fingerings on this page, the I, ii, iii, & viio chords are based on the A Major chord form & the IV, V, and vi are based on the E Major chord form.

B7 isn't in the key of B [it's the V chord in E], yet if you are looking for it…

Guitar chords in B & all other keys