B Dominant 7th Guitar Chord (B7)
B7 is the V chord of every blues in E, which is why the open grip earns its keep. x21202, four fingers, usually the first open chord that needs all of them. It pulls straight back to E.
B7 uses every topping you have.
B7 chord shapes in standard tuning
How to play it
Place your index finger on the D (4th) string at fret 1, your middle finger on the A (5th) string at fret 2, your ring finger on the G (3rd) string at fret 2, and your pinky finger on the high E (1st) string at fret 2. Let the B (2nd) string ring open. Keep the low E (6th) string out of the strum. Start your downstroke from the A (5th) string.
Notes in this chord
| Symbol | Interval | Note |
|---|---|---|
| R | root | B |
| 3 | major third | D♯ |
| 5 | perfect fifth | F♯ |
| ♭7 | minor seventh | A |
Keep exploring
Other tunings
Open the interactive chord charts to see B7 in open G, drop D, DADGAD, and more tunings.
More B chords
Nearby dominant 7th chords
B7 FAQ
What notes are in B7?
B7 contains B, D♯, F♯, and A. That's the root (B), the major third, the perfect fifth, and the minor seventh.
Is B7 a barre chord?
Not necessarily. The easiest B7 shape (x-2-1-2-0-2) needs no barre. It uses 4 fingers plus open strings. Barre versions exist too, starting at fret 4, and are handy when you want to move the same grip to other keys.
What is the easiest way to play B7 on guitar?
Start with the open position shape x-2-1-2-0-2. Place your index finger on the D (4th) string at fret 1, your middle finger on the A (5th) string at fret 2, your ring finger on the G (3rd) string at fret 2, and your pinky finger on the high E (1st) string at fret 2. Let the B (2nd) string ring open. Keep the low E (6th) string out of the strum. Start your downstroke from the A (5th) string.