Full Chords Group 3: Introducing the B Major Chord

Description

In this lesson we are going to play a B major chord. The same ideas about proper fingering apply to this chord shape also.

Remember that from the last knuckle of your finger to the fingertip your fingers should be arched so they are pointing straight down into the string & fretboard. Remember that your fingertip should be right behind the fret you are playing. Not on top of the fret. Remember to keep your fingers clear of strings around the one it is holding down. You don't want to mute strings that should be ringing clearly. Make sure your hand and fingers are "hovering" or "arched" slightly over any string that is supposed to make sound.

Place your index finger on the second fret of the A string. Next, play the fourth fret of the D string with your middle finger. Next, play the fourth fret of the G string with you ring finger. Finally, play the fourth fret of the B string with your pinky.

This is a hard one, yeah?!

Notice that this chord is technically not an open string chord; it doesn't use any open strings. This is, however, the most basic way to play a B Major chord that matches the other basic open chords. Again, be careful to keep all fingertips straight down into the strings and only holding the appropriate string it is assigned.

Strum the chord one string at a time very slowly to make sure that each note is sounding as clearly as possible. Then you can go ahead and strum the chord, lightly grazing the pick over each string quickly right after one another. Practice strumming a lot. It will come in handy. Once you can strum down, then try to strum back and forth.

Also note that I give you several alternate fingering options to try with the B major chord. It's a hard one, but worth the effort! After you learn this one, you will know all seven basic major chords, A, B, C, D, E, F and G!