B7 Chord (B dominant 7th) on Guitar
B7 (B dominant 7th) is made of the notes B – D# – F# – A. The easiest guitar fingering is x2120x (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play B7
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2 (B).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 1 (D#).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 2 (A).
- Play the 2nd string (B) open (B).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
- Do not play the 1st string (high e).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 2 | B | R |
| 4th string (D) | 1 | D# | 3 |
| 3rd string (G) | 2 | A | b7 |
| 2nd string (B) | 0 (open) | B | R |
| 1st string (high e) | x (mute) | - |
What is a B dominant 7th chord?
A dominant 7th chord adds a minor seventh to a major triad. It is the chord that naturally sits on the fifth degree of a major key.
Notes and formula. B7 contains B, D#, F#, A. Counted from the root B, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), b7 (minor 7th).
Sound. Bluesy and unresolved. It pulls strongly toward the chord a fourth above, which is why it feels like "the next chord is coming".
Where it is used. Dominant 7ths are the backbone of blues (every chord in a 12-bar blues can be a 7th), plus rock and roll, funk, jazz and country turnarounds.
Tips for playing B7
Most dominant 7th shapes are an open or barre major chord with one finger lifted or moved. Practise changing between the major and the 7th to hear the change.
Common mistake: Confusing the 7th with the major 7th. The dominant 7th is bluesy; the major 7th is smooth and dreamy.
Keys that contain B7
B7 is a diatonic chord, meaning it occurs naturally without accidentals, in these keys:
Try it in a progression: browse chord progressions for every key.
Scales to play over B7
Related chords
B7 chord FAQ
What notes are in a B7 chord?
B7 (B dominant 7th) contains the notes B, D#, F#, A. The formula is R–3–5–b7 relative to the root B.
How do you play B7 on guitar?
The most common shape for B7 is x2120x, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is B7 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated beginner. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Which keys contain B7?
B7 is a diatonic chord in E major (V), C# minor (VII).
Get one useful guitar tip a week
New chord guides, practice ideas and app updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.