The B7 chord on guitar is made from the notes B D# F# A. It is a dominant 7th chord. It is the 5th chord in the key of E Major. The B7 chord goes by many names, it might be called a B7, B Dominant 7, or a B major-minor 7. However in lead sheet symbols it will always just say “B7”
In this article we will include easy, intermediate, and more advanced ways to play this interesting chord! Let’s get started!
B7 Chord Theory
First of all, we need to understand how dominant 7 chords work…
- B7 is a dominant 7th chord
- Dominant 7 chords are constructed by stacking a major triad with a minor 7th.
- The notes that make up a B7 chord are B D# F# A – all notes from the E major scale.
- B7 is the V chord (also called the dominant) in the key of E Major.
- The role of the dominant chord is to resolve back to the tonic.
- The sound of a dominant chord has a lot of tension. This is because it contains the leading tone as its 3rd. (D#)
- Dominant 7 chords are also called major-minor 7 chords.
Easy Way To Play B7
Method 1
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 4th string.
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string.
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string.
- Place your pinky on the 2nd fret of the 1st string.
How To Play The B7 Guitar Chord
Method 2
- Place your index finger on the 7th fret of the 6th string and barre.
- Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd string.
- Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 5th string.
Method 3
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string and barre.
- Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 4th string.
- Place your pinky on the 4th fret of the 2nd string.
Method 4
- Place your index finger on the 7th fret of the 6th string.
- Place your middle on the 7th fret of the 4th string.
- Place your pinky on the 8th fret of the 3rd string.
- Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 2nd string.
Alternate Ways To Play B7
Method 5
- Place your index finger on the 9th fret of the 4th string.
- Place your middle finger on the 10th fret of the 2nd string.
- Place your ring finger on the 11th fret of the 3rd string.
- Place your pinky on the 11th fret of the 1st string.
Method 6
- Place your index finger on the 4th fret of the 4th string and bare.
- Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 1st string.
Method 7
- Place your index finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string and barre.
- Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd string.
Songs That Use The B7 Chord
Can’t Get No Satisfaction Rolling Stones
You Shook Me Led Zeppelin
All My Exes Live In Texas George Strait
Learn To Play Other Dominant Guitar Chords
Dominant chords, as a type of 7th chord, bring a distinct tension and resolution to music. Their unique blend of major and minor intervals creates a compelling sound that often leads to satisfying harmonic progressions in your guitar playing journey. Here’s how to play the basic ones:
| Letter | Dominant Chord |
|---|---|
| A | How To Play The A7 Chord |
| B | How To Play The B7 Chord |
| C | How To Play The C7 Chord |
| D | How To Play The D7 Chord |
| E | How To Play The E7 Chord |
| F | How To Play The F7 Chord |
| G | How To Play The G7 Chord |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is B7 a hard chord?
It may be difficult for beginners to wrap their head around the theory behind the chord, however it is relatively simple to physically play.
Is B7 the same as B minor?
No, B minor is made of the notes B D F#. It is a minor triad made of the intervals of a minor 3rd and a perfect 5th. A B7 chord is made of the notes B D# F# A. It is a dominant 7 chord made of the intervals of a major 3rd, perfect 5th, and a minor 7th. While there are only 3 important types of triads, there are 5 commonly used 7th chords. Learning to recognize the differences comes with lots of practice and experience with each type.
Is B7 a diminished chord?
B diminished is made of the notes BDF. No accidentals. (Notice that B is diminished in the key of C.)
How Do You Play An Open B7?
Method 1 listed above is the best way to play for open chords!
Conclusion
The B7 chord is made of the notes B D# F# A. It is a dominant 7th chord in the key of E Major and E minor. Dominant chords have a strong sense of tension that resolves back to the tonic. So B7 often leads to E major or E minor. Try playing some simple progressions in the key of E. Like F#m – B7 – E Maj or E Maj – A Maj – B7- Emaj. Have fun playing!
Related: Learn The Guitar Chord G7
