The B chord on guitar has a reputation for being difficult — and honestly, it kind of is. Unlike most other major chords, there’s no comfortable open position for B major. You’re stuck with bar chord territory.
But here’s the good news: learning the B chord guitar easy way is possible — there are multiple approaches, and one of them will work for your hands.
Where B Major Comes From
B major is based on the A major shape, moved up two frets. Here’s the A major you probably already know.
When you move that shape up two frets and add a bar, you get B major. The problem? Cramming three fingers into that small space at the 4th fret is awkward. My fingers are kind of thick, and I can barely get them all in place up there.
Three Ways to Play B Major
1. The Kink-Bar (My Preferred Method)
Instead of using three separate fingers for strings 2, 3, and 4, I “kink-bar” them with my 3rd finger. The trick is to bend your 3rd finger so it catches those three strings while kinked up enough to let the 1st string ring through from your first finger’s bar.
This takes practice — it’s probably the most difficult chord to get clean. But once you’ve got it, it’s incredibly practical. The shape moves anywhere on the neck, and you’re not fighting to fit three fingers into a cramped space.
2. The E-Shape at 7th Fret
If you know the F major bar chord (the one based on E major), you already know how to play B major. Just slide that shape up to the 7th fret.
This position is actually the easiest B chord guitar approach for many players because the frets are closer together higher up the neck. Less stretching, less tension. The trade-off is you lose some bass compared to the A-shape version.
For reference: this is the E major shape moved up. E at open position, F at 1st fret, G at 3rd, A at 5th, B at 7th.
3. The Three-String Beginner Version
If you’re a real beginner and both bar chord shapes feel impossible right now, try this simplified version. You’re only playing three strings — the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd — but it’s still a B major chord.
It’s weaker sounding than the full versions and you can’t really strum it hard, but it works for picking patterns or when you just need to get through a song while you build up strength.
Technique Tips for the Kink-Bar
The kink-bar version is the one most players struggle with. Here’s what helps:
Use the edge of your bar finger. Turn your hand slightly so you’re pressing with the bony side of your first finger, not the flat part. If your thumb is facing you, the pressing edge is just to the right of center.
Keep your thumb centered. Don’t let it creep up over the top of the neck. It should be roughly behind the 3rd fret when you’re barring at the 2nd.
Snuggle up to the fret. Your bar finger should be right against the fret wire — almost on top of it. Too far back and you’ll get buzz no matter how hard you press.
Start higher on the neck. If you can’t get the chord clean at the 2nd fret, move up to the 5th or 7th fret where there’s less string tension. Get it working there first, then slowly work your way down.
Why the Kink-Bar Is Worth Learning
I know the kink-bar feels awkward at first. But here’s why it’s worth the struggle:
Once you’ve got it, you’ve got 12 major chords with the same shape. B major at the 2nd fret, C major at the 3rd, D major at the 5th, and so on. That one chord shape unlocks a huge chunk of the fretboard.
And unlike the cramped three-finger version, the kink-bar actually gets easier as you move it around. Less stretching, more natural hand position.
B Major vs B Minor
Don’t confuse B major with B minor (Bm). They’re different chords entirely:
- B major: Bright, happy sound. Built on A major shape.
- B minor: Darker, sadder sound. Built on A minor shape.
Both use bar chords at the 2nd fret, but the finger positions are different.
Practice Strategy
Pick whichever version feels most achievable right now and work on that one first. Don’t try to master all three at once.
If you’re completely new to bar chords, the E-shape at the 7th fret is probably your best starting point — less tension, easier reach. It’s the B chord guitar easy option that still sounds full.
If you’ve got some bar chord experience, commit to the kink-bar. It’s harder upfront but pays off long-term.
For more bar chord techniques including thumb wrapping and troubleshooting common problems, check out our complete Bar Chords guide.
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