The Simplest B Chord Guitar Technique

A root-fifth chord, also known as a power chord is the simplest way to play a B Chord on the guitar. The 5th String gives you the root note for each subsequent chord in power chord progressions.

We can find the B root note on the second fret of the fifth string, otherwise known as the open A string. See if you can find it yourself first. If not just move up to the first fret and you get A#, and the next one along is the B. So, we use the second fret of the A string.

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.

Now we can add the fifth note of the chord, being a root-fifth chord, and we find that by looking for the F# on the next string down. This is the D string, so we count up through D#, E, F to F# on the fourth fret. We also need to add an octave, which is not completely necessary however you do get a fuller more complete sound from the chord if you can manage it. The octave is a B note 12 steps higher than the root note, we find that on the next string down, G on the fourth fret.

There are several ways in which one can fret these remaining notes. One may use their 3rd and 4th fingers - ring and pinky - to fret the notes individually. If this method is chosen, use the ring finger to fret the note on the larger 4th string and the pinky finger to fret the note on the comparatively light 3rd string. Remember to position the fingers close to the forward fret for the best possible tone.

The second method available to you might help if your fingers get tired in that position, you simply create another bar with your ring or pinky finger from the 3rd string down. For the first few times the stretch from the first finger on the 2nd fret to the 3rd finger on the 4th fret will be painful, but over time this will prove to be the fastest way to for the B chord on your guitar. Keeping your fourth finger free will allow you to use the trill technique which you will hear in some rock songs.