B major (or simply B) chord is one of those barre chords. Finger position for B chord is fairly straightforward and looks a lot like A major chord (just higher up the neck), but it does require a strong index finger for barring.
About B chord
Here are some facts about B major chord
- Chord formula: 1 – 3 – 5
- Chord notes: B – D# – F#
- Alternative names: BM, BMa, Bmaj, BΔ
- Common functions:
- V-chord in E major key
- I-chord in B major key
Most commonly B chord is used in E major key.
How to play B major barre chord
If you know your A chord it should be fairly easy to master B chord. You will have to move the A major chord shape 2 frets down the neck, and use the index finger for the bar.
You can mute the 6th string to get the pure B major chord, or barre it to get a B/F# (B over F#) chord:
B major chord without barre
If barre chords are giving you trouble, there is also a way to play B major chord without a barre:
It doesn’t sound as defined as full barre version, because there is only one root note B lost there in a mix, but it is much easier to play. Be careful not to play 5th and 6th strings.
