Bb5 Power Chord on Guitar
Bb5 (Bb power chord) is made of the notes Bb – F. The easiest guitar fingering is x133xx (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
How to play Bb5
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 1 (Bb).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 3 (F).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 3 (Bb).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
- Do not play the 2nd string (B).
- Do not play the 1st string (high e).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 1 | Bb | R |
| 4th string (D) | 3 | F | 5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 3 | Bb | R |
| 2nd string (B) | x (mute) | - | |
| 1st string (high e) | x (mute) | - |
What is a Bb power chord chord?
A power chord (written "5") contains only the root and the perfect fifth, sometimes doubled with the octave. It has no third, so it is neither major nor minor.
Notes and formula. Bb5 contains Bb, F. Counted from the root Bb, that is R (root), 5 (perfect 5th). It is also written A#5; the two names sound identical and the name used depends on the key of the song.
Sound. Heavy, open and punchy. Distortion loves power chords because they do not create muddy overtones.
Where it is used. The foundation of rock, punk and metal riffs. The same shape works for major and minor songs.
Tips for playing Bb5
Keep the shape and slide it along the neck. The root is always the lowest note, so you can move the whole chord by moving that one finger.
Common mistake: Strumming strings that are not part of the chord. Use the fingers or palm to mute the unused strings.
Scales to play over Bb5
Related chords
Bb5 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Bb5 chord?
Bb5 (Bb power chord) contains the notes Bb, F. The formula is R–5 relative to the root Bb.
How do you play Bb5 on guitar?
The most common shape for Bb5 is x133xx, 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 Bb5 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated beginner. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is Bb5 the same as A#5?
Yes. Bb and A# are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so Bb5 and A#5 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
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