What Is A B7 Guitar Chord?

Do you know about the B7 guitar chord? If not, you are in the right place because this guide will familiarize you with everything you need to know about this chord.

The B chord actually means B dominant seventh chord. The B7 chord actually has the same notes as of B major chord.

Over the years, musicians around the world have dropped the word dominant, and ever since, it has become a standard to drop the word dominant whenever you talk about B7.

This probably made you think, why? So the short answer is that considering there are plenty of seventh chords out there, it leads to confusion.

When we talk about guitar chords, the seventh note in the B major scale is actually an A#. However, whenever you take that A# down half step, it is called an A note, but when you combine B, D#, F#, and A together, you get the B7 guitar chord.

Let me make it simpler for you guys; the B7 guitar chord is a four-note chord consisting of a root note from the B chord, moving onto the major third D#, the fifth F#, and a flat seventh of the A.

How Do You Play a B7 Chord on Guitar?

There are a variety of ways how you can play the b7 chord; we will get into the different ways later, but let’s discuss one of the simplest forms.

To play the B7 chord on the guitar, you need to place your fingers on the fretboard in the following positions:

First Finger, aka Index Finger

You should place the index finger on the first fret of the A string.

Second Finger, aka Middle Finger

The position of your middle finger shall be on the second fret of the G string.

Third Finger, aka Ring Finger

The placement of your ring finger should be on the second fret of the high E string.

Fourth Finger, aka Pinky Finger

Lastly, your pinky finger should be positioned on the third fret of the B string.

After you have positioned your fingers in the right position, you should proceed with strumming all six strings to play the B7 chord. This chord is popular for adding a jazzy flavor to chord progressions, and it is often played with various other chords like F#, E, and A.

Different Ways of Playing B7 on Guitar

There are various ways to play the famous B7 guitar chord on the fretboard; it all narrows down the different types of finger positions you use.

1. Barre Chord

One of the ways to play B7 is to use the barre chord. Since the open A7 chord shape is used to create this B dominant 7th chord shape, to play the B root note on the A string’s second fret, we have to construct a barre with our first finger  and go up the fretboard.

Finger Placements:

First Finger: Across all the strings on the second fret.

Second Finger: Third fret of the B string.

Third Finger: Fourth fret of the D string.

Fourth Finger: Fourth fret of the G string.

2. Open Chord

The B7 chord can also be played as an open chord.

Finger Placements:

First Finger: First fret of the high E string.

Second Finger: Second fret of the G string.

Third Finger: Second fret of the A string.

Fourth Finger: Second fret of the high E string.

3. Power Chord

Another way to play the B7 chord is the B5 power chord, which only consists of the root note (B) and the perfect fifth (F#).

Finger Placements:

First Finger: Second fret of the A string.

Fourth Finger: Fourth fret of the D string.

Popular Songs with B7

Now let’s get into the few songs you can play using the B7 chord progression.

1. I Shot The Sheriff – Bob Marley

This is a classical song that uses the B7 guitar chord. To play this song, you start with the G chord moving to the D chord and, ultimately, the B7 chord. The strumming pattern used in this song is down, down, up, down, up, down, up.

2. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd

This song by the famous American rock band requires the B7 chord to use it. You start with the G chord, moving towards the D chord and then the B7 chord. It is one of the most popular songs of all time.

3. You Shook Me – Muddy Waters

Muddy Waters also used the B7 chord in one of his famous songs, “You Shook Me.” This classic blue song features a simple, repetitive chord progression. You start with B7 and switch to E7 after strumming B7 a couple of times.

4. Wonderwall – Oasis

This song is known as a walking talking irony incarnate. The B7 chord was used in the pre-chorus of this song. The G chord is used at the start moving towards the D chord and then the B7 chord.

However, while it’s important to learn the basic chord progression or strumming techniques of various songs. But remember, you guys can always give these songs your own touch by trying various strumming patterns or chord progressions.

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FAQS

What Are Some Common Chord Progressions That Use The B7 Chord?

The B7 chord is often used in various chord progressions that mostly feature the I-IV-V chord sequence or B7-E7-A7.

What Is The Difference Between The B7 And B Major Chords?

The B major chord has a natural seventh note, while on the other hand, the B7 chord has a flat seventh note. Not only that, the B major chord is considered more upbeat than the B7 chord.

How Can I Practice Playing The B7 Chord?

When it comes to practicing the B7 chord, one of the easiest ways is to practice switching between the B7 chord and the other chords in the common progression.

You can also practice it by playing chords in different positions on your fretboard to develop muscle memory.

How Can I Improve My Finger Placement And Strumming Technique When Playing The B7 Chord?

The best way is obviously to practice every day but to improve your finger placement, start with simple and slow strumming patterns, as they will build up your muscle memory. After you get familiar with it then, try playing different rhythms.