Guitar B chord diagram
B is one of the essential Guitar chords. On Chordier, this chord appears in 478 different songs. On this page, you can find how to play B, alternative positions, and core chord transitions.
To play B, follow these steps: Place index finger on E string, A string, and E string fret 2. Place middle finger on D string fret 4. Place ring finger on G string fret 4. Place pinky on B string fret 4.
Tips
- Place E string with your index finger and A string with your index finger with a vertical finger angle so nearby strings ring clearly without buzz.
- On E string, press fret 2 with your index finger close to the fret wire (not on top) for a cleaner tone.
- Keep the barre firm so every string rings clearly.
Chord Theory
- Notes
- B - D# - F#
- Intervals
- 1 - 3 - 5
- Chord Type
- Major — bright and happy character
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Barre chord
- Yes
- Voicings
- 7
Alternative Positions
Different ways to play B on the fretboard, from beginner-friendly to advanced voicings.
Guitar B chord diagram2-2-1-4-4-2
Guitar B chord diagramx-2-4-4-4-2
Guitar B chord diagram2-x-4-4-4-2
Guitar B chord diagram2-2-x-4-4-2
Easy Transition Chords
These chords have similar finger positions to B, making them ideal for practice transitions.
1. B → Bsus4 chord transition
To move from B to Bsus4, follow these steps:
- Keep index finger on E string fret 2.
- Keep middle finger on D string fret 4.
- Keep ring finger on G string fret 4.
- Slide your pinky on B string from fret 4 to fret 5.
2. B → F#sus4 | G♭sus4 chord transition
To move from B to F#sus4 | G♭sus4, follow these steps:
- Keep index finger on E string fret 2.
- Lift your middle finger from D string fret 4 and place it on A string fret 4.
- Slide your ring finger from G string fret 4 to D string fret 4.
- Lift your pinky from B string fret 4 and place it on G string fret 4.
3. B → Bmaj7 chord transition
To move from B to Bmaj7, follow these steps:
- Keep index finger on E string fret 2.
- Lift your middle finger from D string fret 4 and place it on G string fret 3.
- Slide your ring finger from G string fret 4 to D string fret 4.
- Keep pinky on B string fret 4.
4. B → Bsus2 chord transition
To move from B to Bsus2, follow these steps:
- While playing B, lift your middle finger from D string fret 4.
- Keep index finger on E string fret 2.
- Lift your ring finger from G string fret 4 and place it on D string fret 4.
- Slide your pinky from B string fret 4 to G string fret 4.
5. B → Esus2 chord transition
To move from B to Esus2, follow these steps:
- While playing B, lift your middle finger from D string fret 4.
- Keep index finger on E string fret 2.
- Keep ring finger on G string fret 4.
- Slide your pinky on B string from fret 4 to fret 5.
6. B → D#m/B | E♭m/B chord transition
To move from B to D#m/B | E♭m/B, follow these steps:
- Lift your index finger from E string fret 2 and place it on A string fret 2.
- Slide your middle finger from D string fret 4 to G string fret 3.
- Lift your ring finger from G string fret 4 and place it on D string fret 4.
- Keep pinky on B string fret 4.
Most Common Transitions
The most frequent chord transitions from B across songs on this site.
1. B → E chord transition
To move from B to E, follow these steps:
- While playing B, lift your pinky from B string fret 4.
- Lift your index finger from E string fret 2 and place it on G string fret 1.
- Slide your middle finger from D string fret 4 to A string fret 2.
- Lift your ring finger from G string fret 4 and place it on D string fret 2.
On Chordier, songs containing B use the transition to E at 20.7%. You can practice this transition in 149 different songs.
2. B → Em chord transition
To move from B to Em, follow these steps:
- While playing B, first lift your index finger and pinky.
- Lift your middle finger from D string fret 4 and place it on A string fret 2.
- Slide your ring finger from G string fret 4 to D string fret 2.
On Chordier, songs containing B use the transition to Em at 16.2%. You can practice this transition in 123 different songs.
3. B → A chord transition
To move from B to A, follow these steps:
- While playing B, lift your pinky from B string fret 4.
- Lift your index finger from E string fret 2 and place it on D string fret 2.
- Slide your middle finger from D string fret 4 to G string fret 2.
- Lift your ring finger from G string fret 4 and place it on B string fret 2.
On Chordier, songs containing B use the transition to A at 15.8%. You can practice this transition in 123 different songs.
4. B → C#m chord transition
To move from B to C#m, follow these steps:
- Lift your index finger from E string fret 2 and place it on G string fret 1.
- Slide your middle finger on D string from fret 4 to fret 2.
- Lift your ring finger from G string fret 4 and place it on B string fret 2.
- Slide your pinky from B string fret 4 to A string fret 4.
On Chordier, songs containing B use the transition to C#m at 9.6%. You can practice this transition in 68 different songs.
5. B → F# chord transition
To move from B to F#, follow these steps:
- Keep index finger on E string fret 2.
- Lift your middle finger from D string fret 4 and place it on G string fret 3.
- Slide your ring finger from G string fret 4 to A string fret 4.
- Lift your pinky from B string fret 4 and place it on D string fret 4.
On Chordier, songs containing B use the transition to F# at 6.6%. You can practice this transition in 41 different songs.
Compatible Scales
These scales include B and highlight the companion chords that fit the same key.
Songs Using B Chord
Popular songs that feature the B chord, perfect for practice.
Songs in Original Key of B
Frequently Asked Questions
Is B easy to play on Guitar?
Guitar B is generally intermediate. It spans 3 frets and includes a barre technique. Consistent practice helps the shape feel natural.
What is the easiest way to play B?
There is a simpler alternative for B on Guitar. The alternative voicing uses fingering 2-2-x-4-4-2. This voicing reduces hand movement and makes clean transitions easier.
What chords transition well from B on Guitar?
Guitar B commonly moves to E and Em. Based on our catalog data, B to E is recorded 1,043 times, appears in 149 songs, and represents 20.7% of outgoing B transitions. B to Em is recorded 817 times, appears in 123 songs, and represents 16.2%.
What songs use the B chord?
Ariana Grande - Problem Chords is one of 8 songs that use the B chord.