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The B power chord – properly referred to as a root-fifth chord – represents the starting point for most power chord progressions played where the 5th string provides the root note of each succeeding chord.

We can find the B root note on the second fret of the fifth string, otherwise known as the open A string. See if you can find it yourself first. If not just move up to the first fret and you get A#, and the next one along is the B. So, we use the second fret of the A string.

Across the strings below the root B, the fingers will form what is called a bar. This simply means that one’s fingers lay across all the strings above the root, though in this chord it will not be necessary that adequate pressure for clear tone be applied to any string but the 5th string by the first finger.

I want you to do a practice strum at this stage to make sure you’ve got just the B note sounding clearly, remember it’s just the first finger pressing down on the 2nd fret of the A String (2nd string from the top) the rest of the bar you have formed doesn’t need to press down for the strings to ring clearly because your other fingers will be called into action in their place. Try to get your index finger as close to the fret as possible for the best tone.

If there is buzz in the note, increase the pressure. If that doesn’t remedy the problem, adjust the position of the fingers relative to the second fret bar. Some minor adjustments such as these should help to alleviate any deficiencies in one’s tone.

This is a root-fifth chord so it’s time to add the fifth and the octave to the chord to complete the sound. The fifth will be “F#” which is found on the 4th fret of the 4th string. The octave will be B, obviously, and that is found on the 4th fret of the 3rd string. The simple geometry of this chord has a lot to do with it being so popular in rock music.

There are two common methods available to you to fret the F# and B octave. The first is to use your ring and pinky fingers, these are your 3rd and 4th fingers, to fret the notes one by one. Your 3rd finger is likely to be stronger so you will want to use it when fretting the comparatively larger D string, then use your 4th finger for the B octave. Positioning the fingers as close to the fret bar will give you the best tone.

If this method proves immediately fatiguing, try barring the other two notes with either the ring or the pinky finger. The ring finger is stronger but requires more stretching. It does allow for one to trill one fret above the 4th fret which is a common motif in rock music.

For a complete run down on the b chord guitar chart and finger position visit Adam Summer’s website on how to play guitar for beginners.

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