What is B7?
The B7 guitar chord is formed by the notes B – D# – F# – A and is played using the fingering x21202. It’s a seventh chord commonly used in B7-E.
B7 Chord Diagram
Standard Position
6th (E) string: Don't play
5th (A) string: 2th fret
4th (D) string: 1th fret
3rd (G) string: 2th fret
2nd (B) string: Open
1st (E) string: 2th fret
How to Play B7
- Place fingertips close to the fret wire using the diagram x21202.
- Arch fingers so they don’t touch adjacent strings; keep thumb behind the neck.
- Pick each string to check for buzz or mute; adjust pressure and curl.
- Strum slow down-strums; add down–down–up–up–down–up when clean.
Pro Tip: Practice chord changes with a metronome at 70–90 BPM for one-minute rounds.
B7 Variations
B7sus4
x21200
Suspended 4th version
B7/D#
x61202
First inversion with D# in bass
Popular Songs Using B7
Famous Examples:
- • Hey Joe
- • All Along the Watchtower
More Hits:
- • Let It Be
- • Something
Common Chord Progressions with B7
B7-E
Classic dominant to tonic in E major
E-B7-C#m-A
Popular progression in E major
B7-E-A-B7
A popular progression used in many songs
Practice Tips for B7
1. Challenging Fingering
This chord requires some finger strength - practice slowly
2. Blues and Rock Essential
Important for many blues and rock progressions
Music Theory Behind B7
Notes in B7: B - D# - F# - A
Scale: B - C# - D# - E - F# - G# - A - B
Key Signature: Five sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#, A#)
Relative Major: G#m7
B7 is a dominant 7th chord built on the 5th degree of the E major scale. It's particularly common in blues and rock music.
Related Chords to Learn
Master B7 Today!
B7 is a stepping stone to advanced playing. Take your time and practice regularly!