5 EASY WAYS TO PLAY B CHORD - But 1 Way is Best
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 มิ.ย. 2024
- This instructional Guitar Video of the B Major Chord for Beginners through Advanced players is a must see. There are 5 primary ways to Play the B Chord near open position, the standard way many instructors teach are the 5 String A Shape Barre Chord Method. These most common Methods have certain limitations that are not optimal. 'Space Age Jim' explains each method & may convince you that his Favored methods may be best for you. Once you learn this method it you may never go back to your old way to play B. A practice loop is provided for you to perfect your B chord skill set. Likewise, this video is entertaining you with Fingerstyle Guitar clips and hopes to convince you to learn Fingerstyle Guitar & break out of your flat-pick only way of playing barrier of sounding like everyone else.
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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Intro Lick - Why B is Soooo Hard But Soooo Important
(00:01:48) Method 1 - Easiest 3 String way
(00:02:42) 1-4 String Method Easy Method
(00:03:50) 2-5 String Method
(00:05:44) 1-5 Hard Method
(00:06:48) 1-5 Barre Method - The Difficult B that Reigns Supreme
(00:08:24) How To Master the Best B Chord Method
(00:10:37) Practice Loop
(00:13:44) Let Tune Up
(00:15:49) 'Steal My Licks' Challenge - เพลง
I have been playing for many years, I now play mostly rhythm with a group and to me Bar cords is the best way to go, mainly because you are playing a full cord all rhe time!
I have to agree that. My go to Bar are the root 5th string A shapes and the 6 String E shapes. You can go a million miles with those shapes. Do you use the 6th string E shapes?
I hate ANY variation of the B chord.
When you find a method you like, that fits your hand and seems easy for you then stick with it. If you play B up the neck, it will sound very different -that's revoicing a Chord. Thanks for the comment.
I know what you mean. Therefore I pick the bass guitar. 😂
I play the 2 finger bm11 open chord.
AMEN Brudda'
I taught myself this, what I called the “L” shape, my first time playing electric guitar! I thought it was so easy and I could slide it anywhere and use either the E or A string as my root. Like cheating, I could suddenly play “any chord” with this one stupid shape….and quickly realized 80% of rock music is played this way, or can be.
It’s not necessarily hard. Don’t worry about the high e ringing at first.
For me the easiest B is the barre chord on the 7th fret. Its a jump if the rest of your chords are on the bottom of the neck. But, as you pointed out, the string tension is lessened the further up you are on the neck. And also its good practice to make big jumps like that. It will build some skills without contorting that ring finger. I always used method four on your charts until I noticed that B on the 7th fret.
You are soooo correct here. That is a tough shift and I would think carefully before committing that method on a fast song, but yes it is way easier to play clean in reality. Usually when I shift to mid neck I
like to work around that area of the neck with all the chords as mid neck considered re-voicing chords in many cases. As you have discovered some time ago, Barre Chords open up the Guitar, it's then like 2 instruments in one, and once mastered is easy to do.
Hey------------the "B" chord ain't got nothin on me !
Sincerely,
The "Eb" chord...
Yes, Bb and F are super challenging to play, esp on steel string. The pressure needed to play those full Chords near open position is great.
They are very easy to play though up the neck away from that nut.
I’m forever grateful for my high school guitar teacher, he had me learn things like this as a beginner and said it’s worth learning thus technique early
So glad you had an instructor like that, don't shy away from the hard stuff, be determined to master it. You will become better at everything.
thanks! i learned something really good
Awesome, I have more coming up. I always think every video will be easy but then after the creating process I realize it's tough to communicate my thoughts on the subject and they end up taking 3X longer than I thought. Comments like this make it all worthwhile. I have a video on the E chord I've been working on. I hope many will easily make their performances more interesting just by mastering a few simple concepts presented, they work for me every time.
Great video thanks. Really straightforward explanation. I like the way you started simple and moved it up a level. Also demonstrating the thumb is so important and often overlooked. Thanks again
Thank you for the kind comment. Independence of the thumb & fingers is mostly overlooked by the Guitar Community. I learned about Fingerstyle 35 Years ago when I stumbled on Chet Atkins on the 'Austin City Limits Show' on TV. Totally blown away, I dug in and obsessed on how to play like that studying his every move & bought his learning tapes went to his workshops etc. I Lived and Breathed Chet Atkins until I could play his entire 'Almost Alone Album' except 'Big Foot' I did not want to spend the rest of my life trying to figure that one out. I am a poor man's Chet Atkins.
@@spaceagejim8482 Cool I'll give Chet Atkins a listen, I'm not familiar with their work. Always good to hear new music.
Chet Atkins, Master of Fingerstyle, give him a listen, you wont be sorry.
It’s OK if beginners are having a hard time with playing that particular chord. But I also think taking shortcuts is not too good. You want to learn to play the cold chord and develop good playing habits I’ve been playing guitar since 1974. It’s one of the best hobbies I’ve ever had in my whole life, you work hard at it and the repercussions are astronomically rewarding. I learn I started reading music in 1984 today. I am a solo instrumental finger style guitarist. Chad Atkins is one of my idol players. I was taught by soul surfer Johnny Fortune. He died in 2006 one of the nicest people I have ever met in my life, he was my best friend for 30 years. I am 70 years old and I love my guitar. Thanks for your videos. You do have good teaching skills.👍😁🎸🎼🎵🎶🎸😎
I was lucky to meet Chet once in Nashville at one of the CAAS 3 day workshops. Also lucky to win a new Gibson Country Gentleman 'Chet Atkins' Signature as well, presented by The Old Master Himself, he was a wonderful guy.
So major bar chords are honestly the only barre chords I don’t got down well just a question, would the way I should learn without any shortcuts be the barre with the ring finger slammed down?
@@droft5567 If your ring finger can bend backward then I always recommend using it for the root 5th string major chord barre form. If your finger won't bend like that there are other alternatives, remember that this B is actually a root 5th string movable shape. Thanks for the comment, I always love it went I run into a Chet Atkins fan like myself.
I finally got smart and just bought some lighter strings and now playing the standard B barre chord is pretty easy and I still love the sound of the strings. They are the Martin Marquis silked & steel, 11.5-47
I always use Light or Ex-light as I like to go fast and clean when needed and they don't tear my hands up. I'm actually planning on getting a nylon string guitar soon as the playability is so easy. I don't think there is much difference if you are using a good amp. Any tradeoff that makes you play cleaner is a great deal.
I used to have a Chet Atkins Gibson CEC but that 'bridge clack' sound from piezo 'under-saddle pickups' is not for me so I sold it.
When changing String Gauge be sure your action does not get out of whack, often when you switch to lighter gauges the neck gives some changing your action -too low- If I change gauges I take it to my Tech and make him deal with it.
You left one out, which is the best one for me anyway - using the pinky finger on the B-G-D strings while barring with the index as usual. When I use the ring finger I can't help muting the E string, but the pinky is smaller and it lets the E ring out.
Me too and and then sometimes the variations come in handy depending on what's going on or melody inside of a chord progression scenarios
Clear headed advice here, don't get locked into only using one method, there is a place and song for everything. Learn as much as possible.
Thanks for the comment, so many Guitarists are helped by them.
Just play B7 (B, D#,A, B (open), F#) at first and second fret - much easier and normally fits into songs.
I just play the F shape on the 7th fret. Probably harder for beginners to move quickly down to that position but I’ve been doing it that way forever. Also if you have fairly big hands the Hendrix rock F shape is easier than bar chord but I never see anyone teaching it. I’m glad I had a teacher that offered it as an option.
OK, now you HAVE to tell us!!! What is the Jimi's F shape???
You can't leave a comment like that then walk away, curious Guitarists want to know so we can steal yet another great idea.
Really helpful, thank you. The chord sequences in E, too.
'Practice makes perfect' I put in that section so everyone can get up to speed. These Chord sequences are very common. and practicing it will build in chord shift muscle memory.
I'm an 85 year-old beginner/intermediater and need all the help I can get. Nicknamed "Buzz" and you can guess why.@@spaceagejim8482
At 85 not Buzz Lightyear, I'll Guess more Buzz Aldren Jr astronaut -
My Guess you were a test pilot for NASA?
Now you have to tell me why you are called 'Buzz'
Keep up the Guitar you, it's a never ending journey.
I like to use your 1-4 method with an open B string. Love voicing using the open strings whenever possible.
I just checked it out, I like the voicing but just remember that D# note 'major 3rd' is absent. You are playing 'in order of strings 4-1 F# B B F#. It is a cool vague droning sounding voice to me. Rock on, thanks for the comment and come back soon.
@@spaceagejim8482 If I'm not mistaken, George Harrison uses that chord in the break of Nowhere man. My favorite chord uses an open A, A (D string 7th fret), E (G string 9th fret), A (B String 10th fret) and E (E string 12th fret). Again no 3rd, but it's a triumphant A sound. (and a stretch).
It totally depends on the shape of your hand as to which method you’ll eventually settle into because the way that the ring finger is pressed down and bent up like that personally with my small hands there’s no way I’m ever gonna be able to do that. I’ve been playing for 30 years and I’ve tried to do that so many times and, sometimes you just have to know your limits and for me having the high string ring out on the B just isn’t that important and if I need the high E to ring out in a particular song because it makes it sound better I can always choose a different formation that favors that scenario be an inversion or simply doing a three note B cord instead of doubling up on some of the notes. So these are all great tips, but sometimes you have to be realistic and if you’re not double jointed or you have a really small hand, you have to just accept that and figure out a different way and ultimately, most of the time no one’s gonna hear the little new ones of the high E string either ringing out or not ringing out especially if you’re playing with the whole band it’s just completely unnecessary.
You are correct, that is why it is so important to weigh benefits vs problems with each method. You have thought this through and found the best option for your situation. Many people cannot bend that ring finger making playing the double barred method impossible. Thanks for the comment.
That' my way to play B (and other parallel ones)! I came to it one day as I could not use 3 fingers on 2,3,4. Sometimes I clip the 1st string, but it works!
It's hard to hit that 1st string clearly for sure, it takes a lot of practice, once you master B the other movable A shapes are a piece of cake 'Except for horrible B flat. I can make a case b flat is the worst chord near nut to play. I have to use Maximum hand strength to make it pretty on steel strings no matter what the gauge string.
Thanks for the comment, it helps tons of Guitarists.
Thanks.
Glad you are here. Thanks for the visit.
Maybe I’m just plain lucky. I have extremely long skinny fingers. It’s not hard for me to make reaches. I can stretch my fingers from the first Fred all the way to the fifth and six sprints without a strain. My brother looks at me and says you’re totally amazing or maybe just play Lucky I love guitar. I played it most of my adult life. Thanks for your videos. They’re great. I’m an experience player, but I’m not too proud to learn new things. Have a great day.👍😁😎🎸
Who is Fred?
Randy Rhoads went to the B and F# power chords often like in SATO
B F# G# E is a popular progression
I tend to play those major barre chords with just my index and little finger.
Lucky for me the first joint of my little finger is just the right size to cover all three strings and still allow my index finger to cover the highest note.
Although, all major or minor chords can be outlined by just playing the root note and the major or minor tenth.
Then you can add whatever notes you want in between to make the chords straight major or minor, major or minor 7th chords, dominant, diminished, or even add in melodic lines that connect the chord progressions.
This is the approach that people like Joe Pass and Martin Taylor use in order to create solo guitar pieces where they’re playing the bass line, outlining the chord progressions and playing the melody all at once.
Thanks for the comment, it is sure worth trying. I can't seem to get my little finger to work like that, I wish it would, I'm sure a lot of guys can do that, it would make life easier for me.
I have no problem with any of the B shapes, but then again, I learned it in 1966 and I own good guitars. Good video for beginners!👍🎸
HEY SUBSCRIBERS, LISTEN UP TO THIS COMMENT. Amazing, he started playing 68 YEARS AGO, and obviously still loves guitar. Guitar has been a LIFETIME of fun for me as well. No matter your age START GUITAR NOW, or keep missing out on the fun.
Newcomers usually have the most fun learning Guitar because they progress so rapidly their skills can double very quickly and you can play those songs you love right away. Plus it costs like under $200. for a decent Guitar and everything you will ever really need. No Excuses get a Guitar TODAY.
Thank you for your inspiring comment, my hat is off to you.
Yeah, (yeah, yeah) the Beatles on the radio and a Mel Bay chord book.😎🎸
Haha, that's the same Mel Bay Book I learned from. Back then it represented 100% of the Guitar knowledge available to the average Guitarist. Those little songs in that book were my 1st guitar songs. Guitarists of today have incredible knowledge available at the touch of a key. It would have saved me thousands of hours of wasted time if I would have had the internet back then.
There is a true story of the Beatles wanting to learn the B chord I think, they all loaded on a but and went across town to a music store where the local Guitar guru showed them how to play it.
@@spaceagejim8482 That was a B7. I have the Anthology video. McCartney tells the story.🎸
I had a chance to see the Beatles when I was young, my sister went. I did not go as it cost like $3.00 or something, way over my affordability index at the time. Wow what an epic band!!!
I used to play the 5th shape you show all the time. It made it easy to go from the major B, C, or D, chords etc to the 7th chords. I agree, I think it is one of the most important chord shapes to learn along with all the other barre chords. Unfortunately I lost my ring finger this year in a table saw accident. Also nearly severed my thumb but the surgeons were able to reattach that but it can’t bend like it did. This injury makes playing these chords next to impossible. Even playing a simple A chord using my 1st, 2nd and 4th finger is EXTREMELY difficult because the nub gets in the way. I did find a work around that makes it possible for me to play A, B, C, D etc up the neck using the basic A shape. What I have to do is use my index finger to fret 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th string at on the correct fret for each chord, 2nd for A, 4th for B, 5th for C etc. But, then I use my pinky and fret the first string on the 5th fret for the A, 7th for the B, 8th for the C etc. Kind of like playing an A8th, B8th, etc. So for the A chord the notes I am playing is A on the first string, C# on the second, A on the third and E on the 4th. Then just slide this shape up for all other subsequent chords. I play in a group with three other players and it actually does sound very nice. I am trying to get my 4th finger to fret the notes like my missing 3rd finger used to but with the limited flexibility of the thumb it has proven to be elusive so far. Just thought I would add this. Thank you, I am a new subscriber but really like listening to you lesson so far.
Wow, I can see how that could easily happen I like working with wood and have a table saw. Once it caught a 16" X 3/4" strip of oak and threw it back at 110 mph -that's about the speed of the outside of the blade- just missing me, it made quite a dent in the wall.
Have heard about this Guy Django Reinhardt, he lost use of some fingers in a fire but still managed to create a new style of jazz music that became very popular. His accident actually helped his career take off.
th-cam.com/video/g6KqE_KS6p8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ruHuoEHqvVKWGD-X
I hope you stick with it, Guitar will help you through life's tough times, I don't know what I would have done without my love of Guitar. It's free joy.
@@spaceagejim8482 Yes, I definitely am sticking with it. I’ve played since I was about 10. I am now 70 and I couldn’t imagine not playing. I play guitar, mandolin and ukulele in a small group that plays about three times a month. It is taking some getting used to but I can still do most of what I did before. I have to adapt the rest. I am very familiar with Django Reinhardt and after my accident I figured that he was able to do more with less. Great mentor. What you experienced with the table saw is exactly what happened to me. Kick back, only it brought my hand back into the blade. On a good note, I never felt anything more than a slight bump, even after the shock and everything else wore off. This was the first time I’ve been hurt using my shop equipment. I’ve been using table saws, bandsaws, etc for close to 50 years and this was the first time I’ve gotten more than a sliver. Wish it didn’t happen but all is not lost. Thank you Jim.
I built furniture and a few Dulcimers, shutters and other random stuff for my house. I've was lucky with a router I had laid down before it stopped, bit me good. I really need retire the power and Chain Saws. You gave more good advice, 'Don't Give Up' I sometimes get pain in my fretting hand and think 'oh no this is it', but the pains always goes away after a day or 2. A big problem I had is I get wound up before a big event and practice too much the day before the performance. A couple of times my hand cramped up due to being tiered and also being dehydrated. Drink lots of water hours before a performance guys.
The last method you showed works fine for me on my electrics, just hard on my acoustic....
For sure, Steel String Acoustics require the hardest pressure to sound good. I'm going to include a nylon string in my collection to practice, they are so much easier to play and sound great.
My ring finger isn’t strong enough to pin down three strings.
Try holding your hand well above the fretboard, lock the 3rd finger straight force it backward using lots of pressure with your thumb for maximum force. You cannot generate too much force with this pesky Chord. It takes months to master, every Guitarist struggles with this but once you get it it's not too bad and works well.
Thanks for the comment, EVERYONE has a hard start with this chord and currently there are many working on it. I'm there for you.
@@spaceagejim8482 I’ve tried for 30
Years but I find it ok on an electric guitar
In some songs I play the B chord like the third shape you showed, but muting the third string. So the notes are only three: B bass, F# and D#, but with some training the passage to and from E chord is very smooth, sliding the third finger of the left hand. The problem with the last and most complete form is that it requires a complete change of position of all the fingers two frets forward.
I just played what you are saying and I understand that the shift to B is pretty good for going E to B. I cannot seem to get a full clean sound from 3 strings and also hitting 'muted' strings can muddy up a chord.
I like to have students really work at playing the 1-5 Barre Method but performing with the one of the 2 easy ways until this chord is mastered.
Remember that going up to like the 7th fret 'or 7th position' E Chord is way easier and you will find that working gradually down to the 2nd position B will happen in maybe a few months. Then you will have mastered an essential skill required of every Guitarist.
Use light or extra light strings if hand strength is a problem and be sure you have 'Low Action' on your strings, if your strings are set up high everything is much harder to do esp making barre Chords. A setup usually runs from 35-75$ depending on what is going on with your guitar. The only thing I do myself on guitar is clean it, change the batteries with every string change and change strings. You can really mess things up and make it much worse doing it yourself. Every Guitarist should have a Tech they trust.
Well, because of finger damage playing sports, I cannot bend the third finger at the upper joint; thus i learned to use a bar at second fret ( catch the F#s as needed and 2,3 or 2,3,4 to catch the notes on the 2,3,4 strings). Takes some practice, but works well for that and Bb and C, C# D (at 3rd -5th frets). Gotta do what you gotta do.
Not being to bend at the 3rd joint in Not uncommon. The great news is that it only affects the Major Chords in 5 string A Shape Barre, it sounds like you have the best workover for the situation. Very logical thinking here.
I was taught the 1-5- barre from the beginning. For me, it's always been the easiest way.
Ultimately, if you can force your finger backward, that is overall the best way to play B. I'm glad you started out that way and did not have to re-learn forming the Barred B Chord.
Most of the time I just use B7 when playing open chords.
Playing B7 will work with a lot of songs, but keep working at that honest B flat, it takes a long time to get it right. I know it's a toughie struggles, It sure was for me.
Thanks for the comment our Guitar community helps each other.
Any sage advice from my fellow Guitar friends?
@@spaceagejim8482 Thanks for the advice. I can play a B, I just find the B7 easier for a lot of songs that require open chord strumming. I thought mentioning the B7 might be a helpful suggestion as a substitute for anyone struggling as they work their way towards perfecting their B.
It is really important long term to develop clean playing for sure. I often record myself to see how an audience would view me, sometimes I think a song is awesome but when I look at the recording it's 'back to the drawing board' DRATS
I always recommend getting a cheap tripod and recording yourself with your phone, then listen and watch for weird face expressions 'I'm Guilty' not keeping great Time 'Guilty' slopping up phrasings ' Guilty' allowing bad technique because I have not rehearsed enough, 'Guilty'. It really helps your presentations.
Thanks for the comment, we are all helping each other.
The easiest/best B is x24x4x using fingers 1, 3, and 4. Gets all three notes of the triad, a voicing that sounds great, and very easy on the fingers - no barres required. You can pluck the three strings with your fingers, or if you want to strum you just have to mute the 1st and 3rd strings with the fingers that are fretting the 2nd and 4th strings.
Thanks for the comment, it will likely help a lot of players looking for good alternatives.
He's right, that's the best way to play chords. That's how you get the speed of the chord change. I've been playing that way for 35 years. The most important thing is that the fingers get used to that position, you just need to practice a lot.
100% correct assessment!
From a guy who has studied Guitar for 35 years.
I gave up trying to make by b chord sound good. I’m working hard at the barre method from now on.
Just go with either of the 1st 2 methods until you get on top of the 1-5 string Barre Method. Again, start on the 5st fret -an E Chord actually-
then work down into the B it is so much easier to play in the middle section of the your fretboard as the strings are WAY more flexible there. It's a hard Chord BUT when you master it you can rest assured there is almost nothing on the guitar that is harder to do & you will be well on your way to being an intermediate level player. EVERY Guitarist has to overcome this Chord it is a 'right of passage', embrace the challenge.
Nice Larrivee... Got the same, bought it in 1981, got it signed by Tommy. Family heirloom now.
Thanks you, I bought mine new a century or 2 ago, I still love it. When I used to do Fingerstyle Competitions it was my go to Guitar, even the guys with the $20,000 guitars liked the sound. I used watch Tommy every-time he came to town, he often plays his same songs - Classical Gas etc- I heard him play 15 years ago, he has totally mastered them, he's awesome.
@@spaceagejim8482 He definitely is, I have seen him five or six times, just to maintain the awe.He has a Larrivee that was given to him by Jean Larrivee himself with a note saying "No strings attached". Uses it only in the studio and calls it The Beast. When he tried mine, he said it would be a great studio guitar, and made me promise to sell it only to him if I ever had the crazy idea to sell it. I know it was more of a quip, but it is a nice compliment for my old companion (my best therapist). Anyway, I just discovered your channel and I like your approach. I definitely will subscribe and come back often. Keep up the great work!
I'm not sure what Tommy said 'was a quip'. A few years ago I played my Larrivee at an International Competition in Kansas, the guy who won 1st that year 'he had won the competition 4X' was playing my exact Guitar. He said he had 60 Guitars, many of them premium Guitars won from previous competitions. He could have played anything, yet he played a Larrivee that cost $1,300 new.
I know Larrivee makes a Tommy E. Model several years ago, I'm 100% sure it is a beast for Fingerstyle. He is sponsored by Maton and they make his spec model. You can pick them up used around $3,000. I would buy used, for me Guitars sound better every year, my L is over 30 Years or more old.
Glad you wisely kept yours, never sell. I won a Gibson Country Gent and Chet Atkins Signed it personally in front of me, I could not play it out because stuff gets knocked over etc on stage and it was 'Too Valuable' so I sold it. BIG STUPID MISTAKE OF A LIFETIME
@@spaceagejim8482 maybe "quip" was the wrong word (second language, sorry hey?). He said he would buy it to be nice, but the sound visibly did impress him. Your Chet Atkins gave me goose bumps. For a second and a half, then tears to my eyes. I know regrets are a second mistake, but damn...
Guitar is a Journey, you can go to the street corner, or the moon. It's a lifetime of fun for me, with something to look forward every day, learning and improving.
Play an open B7? :) Great video, thank you!
Those 7 chords sound pretty Bluesy, I would only substitute a 7th Chord if it went along with the song. Something cool about that B7! - Play the B7 then move your fingers up 1/2 step strum a beat or 2 -1 then back again, then go for an open E. If you like that I've got a follow up, let me know if you want to hear it about step 2.
Thanks for the comment.
Spent my time here
I'm happy you came, I hope you found it time well spent.
I didn't find the double-barred B nearly as difficult as the barred E-flat (C-shape barred at the 3rd fret). That's far more of a stretch than B. So I'd say the E-flat is the most difficult chord.
Exactly, & that is why I only use the Barred C Shape for triads etc, it's too finger twisting & an unnatural shape for my hand. You can make a career out of climbing the Fretboard using the 5-String A & the 6-Sting E shapes.
For the “B” shape I had to learn to barre the D G B strings with my pinky finger out of necessity because my ring finger’s ability to barre is severely affected by contractures, 2 procedures, and an injury. I’ve seen a couple of other guitarists make the “B” shape like this. With some consistent practice probably a lot of guitarists who can’t get that ring finger to hinge backward could probably do it with their pinky finger. This barre chord has become very strong for me & all 5 strings ring out clear. I realize using the pinky instead of my ring finger eliminates my ability to make some other cool chords off the “B” shape using my pinky, but for me it’s been the only way to make this chord shape strong & musical. I agree that the chords in key of E sound really good, and playing the 5th scale degree “B” using the pinky & a 4th scale degree “A” with just the forefinger make the transition easy. My main instrument is harmonica & that's the focus of my TH-cam channel, but I may post a video I sent a friend demonstrating the "B" this way.
I'm glad you found a workable solution to the common problem of a lack of backward finger bending.
I've been playing the B chord using strings 2-5 but don't like that 1st string muted sound, I'll work on that Barre Chord with my 3rd finger way. It's sure hard though.
I have found that those 'Muted' strings are really only 'partially muted' to get a super clear tone you need to miss completely every string you want to avoid. If you listen to yourself in recordings, like using your smart phone you will find flaws in your playing that you did not realize were there. I started doing that regularly and WOW what I thought was magnificent was actually pretty sloppy and needed immediate correction. - A back to the drawing board moment.
You should add variation to 5th way, but using pinky instead of ring finger. I and many others find this easier to flex and get high e to ring, plus less of a stretch!
I just tried it, & discovered my Pinky Finger is wimpy. I'll try again tomorrow as I have been working on a video all afternoon.
Thanks for the comment, I'm sure your way will work for many.
I think the best way is whatever gets you to the next note or chord you want next, what technique and timbre you want, what do you want pronounced and how.
I agree, it's awesome that on the Guitar there are several ways to play every Chord up and down the neck, revoicing a chord makes a big difference in it's sound, going up an octave or just arpeggiating a Chord different ways makes such a difference. Thanks for the comment, I have so many people tell me that the comments are very helpful to them.
the 5th position is definitely the hardest, as barring 3 strings with the ring finger is next to impossible. This is why I always add the pinky next to it, it makes it easier to barre them. But honestly, they rarely ring clearly
I have felt your pain the double Barred B -1st & 3rd finger B is a BEAR to master. It took me months to get it right, it was slop slop slop all the time. Today it is not a problem, luckily my 3rd finger 3rd joint bends really easy so I may find it easier than most. For some Guitarists it IS impossible, without 3rd finger backward flexibility you should choose another method.
You can test flexibility by holding your 3rd finger straight then pushing hard against a wall or fixed object. If it bends to like a 30 degree angle backwards you are good, if not use another method. A LOT of pressure is required to force that finger back as you cannot do bend it backwards without heavy pressure as there are no muscles to bend it like that.
Thanks for the discussion, you have likely helped out MANY guitarists with this question.
There is another fingering of a B - which I prefer. It is the same as the final 1-5 barre except I only fret two strings with my third finger and use my little finger to fret the B string. This seems to give a cleaner sound.
I've heard a few players use that way. A clean sound and being able to shift efficiently and play complimentary Chords easily is all that's needed.
Thanks for the comment.
Fretting the D,G and B strings with my little finger works best for me…
Man I so envy you guys with the Arnold Schwarzenegger Pinkies. I'm finding out a lot of you can do this incredible feat.
I have a weaky pinky.
My ring finger doesn't bend back enough to miss the top E. If the key is E and your going back to an E chord, you can usually play a B7. In other situations a B6 may be fine, so I just let my ring finger bar the top E string as well, adding in the G#. Alternatively, my ring finger ends up muting the top E string.
Not being able to bend the ring finger at that joint is common, as you have discovered it to be impossible to prevent contact with the 1st String E in this situation. Your choices are play a Complimentary Chord, or use Fingers 234 instead of Barring your 3rd finger. Solo if the 'Revoiced sounds good to you, then it works.
It may work with one song but not another. Playing Guitar is not an exact science 'a major reason I like Guitar. You can invent your own style. Be unique, it's ok - even celebrated. Try that 234 method, if you can get it to work you may like the result. A lot of players have the same situation, your comments will help many Guitarists out.
I like to play it at the 7th fret. E shape with thumb on the low E. I can't stand barre chords. Doesn't help that i have sausages for fingers.
Once you cover those 2 Barre shapes you have it made as far as full neck coverage. It takes a lot of work at first, later it will seem simple except for those pesky F - B & Bb Chords.
I wish I could use the last method, but my ring finger doesn’t bend that way, have to stick to the original:(
A very common problem, many people play the 1-5 hard Barre Method. Many of these guitarists using this method CAN bend their finger backward but PREFER using this method. So don't worry about it, it can be worked around.
Two barriers I have to live with: the ring doesn't do a negative bend (no way to press the 2nd, 3rd and 4th string leaving the 1st free) and the thumb that does't bend enough to hook over the neck and mute the 6th (so common a sight - thumb hooking the fretboard from above - is out of the question for my old, computer-worn hands).
substitute the B7 open chord - the most common way around the problem
or play a B chord at the 7th fret - use the E form
That will work in a lot of cases, chances are nobody will notice.
I always bar at the 7th it sounds so much fuller and better.
I agree that if you are already in the 'mid-neck area' it does sound great.
I literally physically am unable to play the B chord with your preferred fingering. My ring finger cannot hold down three strings at once without muting the high E-string, or really, at all, period. No amount of practice will change that. I typically barre chord, making the A shape with three fingers.
Your situation is very common, a high percentage of guitarists cannot play the difficult Barred B Chord for several reasons beyond their control. The A shape with fingers 2-4 is a logical choice on your part, congratulations on making a smart choice.
When I was out and just walking around I would touch the tips of my ring finger and thumb and bend and flatten the appropriate joints to make that barred B chord at the 2nd fret and make sure that the high E string would ring and not be muted. Lol (Man, that was a long sentence!) 😊😊😊
So you were stretching your knuckle to gain flexibility? Did it help you bend at that knuckle? Just curious, I'm sure not a Dr., there are fine alternatives for those who can't bend that knuckle enough to open up the 1st string. Thanks for the comment.
I have Bb video coming out in a few days, it is about complete, Bb is EVEN WORSE than B, but you need to use it.
@@spaceagejim8482 I’m not sure that it did but ever since I saw this guy in a band called “Bloodbath” in 1970 (?) I loved that formation! So easy! And, of course, I could use it all up and down the neck. Then branched out to minor and minor 7’s. Lol I’m almost 70 and STILL do that ring finger thumb thing. Keeps me young.
Much like myself, you have found that Guitar is an enjoyment of a lifetime, and it can cost $ nothing.
What are some of you still waiting on, START GUITAR NOW, it's not too late.
@@spaceagejim8482 “and it can cost $ nothing.”? It can but it doesn’t. Lol I’m over $50,000 easy. It adds up. By the way, I’m the guy that coined “whammybar” back in 68 or 9. I should have copyrighted that! Lol (Big deal, eh?) (It wasn’t Lonnie Mack like so many credit him for it. He called it a “wangbar” plus, he did have a song called “Wham!”. )
Absolutely, do as I say not as I do. I'm definitely a gear head, I've got lots of stuff and sold lots of stuff over the years. I wish I had kept every guitar I ever owned, like 35 guitars. Like the 74 Les Paul Custom Deluxe Gold top I bought new in 74 for $650. Now $5,000 8,000
GUYS DON'T SELL YOUR GREAT GUITARS they are AWESOME INVESTMENTS! By the best and watch them shoot up $ every year.
Index finger and ring finger. A couple of months you're ring finger will start to flex enough that you can bend it backwards enough to hit those three strings.
Some struggle with that bend, I have had students that their finger won't budge backward a bit.
My third finger knuckle doesn’t bend that way. So I have to use the 4 finger barre version.
You are not alone, I have had several students that CANNOT Bend that knuckle. I have watched them try in person and it WILL NOT BEND. Luckily you have a pretty good alternative in the Barre/2-4 finger method. Overcoming problems is where it's at on instruments. Hard work, dedication, & vision fixes about everything.
Thanks for the comment, & I would love to see what you think about my D Chord Video
th-cam.com/video/BPh8W1mo7jo/w-d-xo.html
Great my 3rd finger doesn't be d backwards I quite often play B7
The Dominate 7 Chord works. I assume you are talking about the Open B7? I just came out with a video on most Dominate 7th Chords A7 - G7 th-cam.com/video/wcPHXc3vbso/w-d-xo.htmlsi=vi72rSnJc_UxM3v8
The 3 finger A style sucks if you have big/fat fingers. I Barre the D&G string with my ring finger and pinkie on the B string. Depending on the song and style I will just slide the A up two frets and just play the B G and D strings. If I am using a full Barre cord B just do like your example but get that pinkie on the B string to get a full cord with no mutations
Thanks for the comment, it is likely you helped a few larger fingered guys.
I have played the A with 234 for over 50 years so B bar chords are easy for me. Also every other bar chord. I find the last method excessively hard, especially with transitions.
That B Chord is a doozy until you finally find the technique that works for you.
There is a harder chord than B in Love Me Tender by Elvis. Its the chord in the chorus that goes with the word "true."
Love me tender, love me *true*
Each finger is on a different fret and your hand is all back-asswards.
Ok I looked it up and transposed to B from the original key of D
The song starts with a 1-ii-V chord progression
It goes like this:
Bb 'Love me tender'
C#7 'Love me true' F7
So F#7 would be the Chord that tripping you up - understandable
as this Chord is no walk in the park.
The full F#7 Chord is commonly played as follows:
1st finger barres strings 1-6 on 2nd fret
2nd finger on 3rd string 3rd fret
3rd finger on 5th string 4th fret
If that is too much just play strings 1-4 and only barre strings 1-2 you won't need that 3rd finger in this case but be careful to only strum strings 1-4 or it will sound muddy. This is the easiest way I can think of.
Thanks for the comment you have helped a lot of Guitarists here. Many Chord Books are for advanced players doing jazz etc I never use them as many of the chords are way to hard and confusing for Guitar creating finger position nonsense, It's as though a music theory guy who does not play guitar made up that chord.
Follow me for the best advice, I've been playing and teaching a long time in many situations and know how it all works.
Ok Who wants me to do a video on how to play
Elvis 'LOVE ME TENDER'
I prefer the E shaped version of B on the 7th fret.
I like the 6-String Barred E Shape too, it is at a convenient spot on the fretboard, the position shift is usually manageable. When my hand gives out from fatigue that is where you will find me on B.
Me too.
B is tough, but how about B flat ?!
Sorry but B flat is the worst Chord on Guitar to play near the nut. Everything I said about B applies to B flat except the level of difficulty increases. I usually sneak up the neck an play a 6th String 6th Fret E shape then go back, it's a tough shift but beats the alternative. Luckily unless you play with Pianos or Orchestral instruments you won't have to play B flat much. I was forced to learn Barre Chords many years ago when I realized the Orchestra work I wanted to do and playing with Professional Praise Bands etc used Non-Guitar friendly keys that you could not play in open position & they also changed key signatures a frequently, mid song. A capo can't save you when the key changes.
That shape work for me, I have long fingers.
Long - Strong - Skinny fingers, I wish I had that.
My finger simply won't invert as it must to play the 1-5 barre method. I use it, but allow the first string to mute.
Bending at the last knuckle -3rd finger- backward is something a lot of fingers will not do, this making a proper Barred B impossible to fully execute. Luckily, there are other useful methods for those that can't bend like that.
The third finger on my left hand doesn't bend back as far as the third finger on my right hand. I've lived with this problem for over 60 years. 😅
@@rolandsolomon7728 You are not the only one, many guys can't do it, it just won't bend, I have seen it myself on several Guitarists. L:uckily it's not a really huge problem, just use the 2-3-4 method and your good.
The B is my nemesis. I fake it with a B7 or if the B7 is sounding too B7y, I’ll drop the E string. I’m not saying it’s great, or to spend a lot of time on it; it’s only meant for those times you can get in and get out before anyone notices. I’m not proud of it, but that’s what I do.
Not a bad choice, but don't give up on that B because it leads to GREAT things in the future. If you can make that Barre you can in short order work up the entire neck knowing a small amount of Music Theory.
@@spaceagejim8482 Thanks. I’ll keep at it.
its worth the effort. once you get it, youll always have it@scottemersonhurley5180
I just use my pinky for the Barre. I can't play the Barre clean with my ring finger. With my pinky, for some reason, it's no problem...Or I just play the full E Shape at the 7th position, without the 2 E strings..Of course you can always play the root position triad at the 7th fret, as well.
I have had several guys say that they use their pinky to barre. I can't possibly use my pinky that way it is just too weak. Everyone's hand is shaped differently so use what works for you.
F chord barred was my hardest one to get used to (before you start talking about barre chords based around the C shape!)
F is so hard to play clean, I usually default to a 4-string F if I'm in a hurry. I use other shapes like C mainly on triads and voicings. I have found the movable A and E shapes can cover the neck very nicely and eliminate tough shifts, they are my default Barre Forms. Thanks for the comment. Do you use the A shape much?
@@spaceagejim8482 As a rule, I do the same 3rd finger A barre and just the four middle strings. I teach guitar at school and find using as many cheats as possible makes it easier for kids interested in guitar.
Yes, I too have found with the young ones it is most important to keep them interested by have they play anything a soon as possible.
Hate the B chord every song I love has it though . Appreciate the help
Everyone HATES B! So many reasons it's terrible. What's your 2nd Chord you love to hate?
@@spaceagejim8482 F chords. Thanks.
i have no problems playing the B chord and there are tons of variations of every chord and as much as some suck they are all usfull and you need to know as many as you can like every chord you need to learn as much as you can.. Voices have to work with the song other wise its off.. there is no best way
Correct, each Chord voice sounds different and often better or worse that a similar voicing, depending on the song.
Yeup!!! Spent MANY hours with it, But, YES!!!, I've also wanted to turn my guitar "into firewood" just as 'Space Age Jim' says!!!! STILL wonder WHY his name is 'Space Age Jim'.
When I get frustrated it's because the right or logical side, of my brain will not let go to the musician left side of my brain. If the right side wins you play bad no matter what, it's hard to let go and let the musical left side flow for me, when I am all left side it's like magic.
The best bet when frustrated is to walk away then come back hours later, chances are what seemed impossible before now works.
I grew up when the 'Space Age' started, The Apollo missions and all of that. I follow Astrophysics, Space Flight and Subatomic Physics as closely as my ant brain can muster, thus 'Space Age Jim'.
I like your profile picture playing guitar on the moon 🌖
DISCOVER GUITAR NOW
Thanks, I'm just a Glorified Guitar Nut who loves sharing the Incredible Gifts that the Guitar gives everyone who pursues it. It's been a lifetime of amazing fun with Guitar, I encourage EVERYONE get into it.
THERE ARE NO VALID EXCUSES TO GET GOING
@@spaceagejim8482 Yup. We old folks now. But still with forward thinking. That was the gift of the Space Age.
1st finger/5th string/2nd fret with 3rd finger barred over the 2nd/3rd/4th strings at the 4th fret. I don't bother with the F# on the high E string. Problem solved.
That will work, if you can manage a clean 1st String F# it does sound good, but only if it's really clean.
Thanks for the comment, it helps a lot of Guitarists.
You should learn both ways.
What happens when you want to hammer on, or pull off from the second to fourth fret.
Thanks for the question, you can hammer or pull off anywhere on the neck. Be sure the string you are working with is either open or fretted solidly. Try hammering on the 2nd fret open string with your 1st finger then holding that note & slide it up to the 4th fret, that's one way, You lose some volume over the process but it is a good transition. I could do a whole video on Hammer-ins & Pull-offs. I use them a lot as it keeps your music moving and interesting. I like to mix in pattern picking, hammers, passing notes, etc to keep song's interesting. I can't remember Chet Atkins playing repeat sections of a song the same way, every Verse or Chorus was a variation. It's awful when you realize your audience has lost interest, be prepared every time you play out.
@@spaceagejim8482 Thanks for the reply.
Perhaps I didn’t explain myself well enough.
What I mean is if you are holding down a B chord using a barre and your second, third and fourth fingers, you can hammer on from the E to F#, or A to B, or C# to D#. And likewise you can pull off.
This isn’t possible if you are using a full barre with your index finger, and a small barre with your third finger, to hold down that chord shape.
I see, you are correct 100%. If you are wanting to hammer-on pull-off then you must use the 234 method. Great analysis here, I appreciate your insight, it helps out a lot of people. I can only do one string at a time in fretted chords as my fingers are not long enough to try a fully fretted Barre Form Hammer-pull. Try this for laughs, strum all 6 open strings then hammer-on pull-off that open E Chord while your strings are ringing. The possibilities are endless, I have worked up some crazy stuff working off this technique.
I try and discover new things all the time about Guitar, it is a fascinating instrument with all the things it can do that no other instrument can, I appreciate your comments.
I know there are other shapes, but I felt it important to meet the challenge head-on...
It takes time to pull off a good 5 string barre, but when you finally get it it's an awesome tool in your tool kit.
@@spaceagejim8482 BTW, I've set Eddie as my goal...I love that guy and I'm only a recent fan and I find out he died...I'm sad and grieving our loss. I only became a fan because of TH-cam and getting my daughter an electric guitar for Christmas in 2022.
I remember when he first came out, I can even remember where I first heard 'Panama'. I could not believe it, I even have his Fender Replica -'The Frankenstrat'
This is why we like to play in G and then use a capo
That's acceptable unless there is a key change. About 30 years ago I ditched Capos as I started playing gigs that used those flatted Keys and changed keys a lot during songs without seeing the music beforehand. They just throw a score at you and start playing. I always hate that, I like to see everything far in advance and work my way through it. There is rarely an electric lead part written out, you have to transcribe a lot of it by picking a recording then by ear figure out what they are doing. Sometimes the director will want something different than an original recording. I think that type job, lead electric is the toughest job I've ever done, I did it for over 25 years. It can take all day long at times, I basically had to write out my entire part.
So capo for an E with G chords- 12th fret? Mandolin anyone???
@@timmccreery6597 why would you do that? I was referring to the miserable B chord, would be fourth fret and play a ‘G’ fingering…need more clarification thank you
Just bar strings 1-4 with one finger and mute the high e-string.
I'm glad you found a solution that works well for you.
A 'muted' string still makes a muffled sound. Being the 1st string you will slap it pretty hard on the up & down strum beat, try it out and let me know if you agree. I realized how noises like my ceiling fan, necklace hitting the guitar, & 'muted strings', can make a bit of noise. Recording myself made me a better player and I fixed some of my many performance issues.
Thanks for the Comment, I am sure you helped out several Guitarists.
Can anyone take a sixth (and seventh) method? Here is what I do. Index finger bars strings 1 and 5 on the second fret like before. On the fourth fret, my ring finger bars strings 3 and 4 and my pinky holds down string 2. I do this because my ring finger just doesn't do enough of a backwards bend to fret string 2 without muting string 1. If I lift my ring finger enough so that string 1 isn't muted, then string 2 isn't fretted.
My last method doesn't require a bar on the 4th fret. You use your middle, ring, and pinky, but differently than what is shown in the video. Instead, the ring finger frets the 4th string, the middle finger frets the 3rd string, and the pinky frets the 2nd string in a triangle shape with the ring and pinky close to the fret and the middle behind them.
If your middle finger does not bend enough, -many people's don't- then your method is good alternative. I tried it and it works. The main thing is to get hit chord clean and fast. Thanks for the comment, a lot of folks find the comments super helpful.
In blues or rock I cheat a lot- in key of E i use a B7.
HOW DARE YOU Cheat on Chords & Steal Licks.
I hope I never get caught doing it myself every day.
Play A shape chord up 2 frets
Yes, I like to call it the Root 5th String A Shape, the root 5 A shape and the Root 6th string E shape can get you through almost every barre situation you will ever come across for the entire neck. Forget the root 5 C shape, it's rarely ever needed and it's too hard to form. And forget all that CAGED stuff if you are a beginner or intermediate and don't plan on becoming a professional.
to play the a-shape major barre chords i just can't get the 3rd finger to flatten the other strings good enuff. so you're saying to cheat a little and play it the easy way, ok.
That is a common problem, everyone playing the movable A shape has the same problem. If you have done the test to see if you finger will actually bend by pressing the finger on a wall or something and it bend back at the fingertip joint then unless your hands are really big then you should be able to do it. This is high control motor skill as to your fretboard vs fingering, there is little room for error.
So if your finger does bend nicely then you just are not getting enough pressure to force your relaxed 3rd finger to give. Try moving the thumb position around. IT takes a lot of pressure for this to work. The only reason to stop using the 5 String B is a lack of flexibility. Having said that, if you like what you are doing stick with it, just keep working with the Barred B, I remember it takes months to get it working, once you do it will seem easy.
Thank you for the comment, you for sure helped out several others that have the same issue.
Please keep us up with your progress on B.
My meatball hands have a lot of faults but I can get that A bar easy as pie.
Great, some combinations of hand shape Chord and Fretboard just seem to work well with you hand.
There's only one right way but there are different positions. If you play it wrongly it isn't a B chord.
I only learned B and B minor as a bar chord...
That's Great, It's a Hard Chord to Master. Now once you have learned all of the notes on the 5 String you have actually learned how to play all over the neck. Or at least have 1/2 of everything you need mastered.
What about Bb?
I hate to break it to you but the problems with the B Chord are even worse with B flat. It's right next to the nut of the guitar, it's even more stretchy, and your arm has to stick out like a ballroom dancer doing a twirl. The B flat Chord is the worst Chord Guitar Chord to play near the nut if you want to play all 6 strings. Luckily it is not as common because most Guitar players stick the Keys that don't use B Flat like A C D E G that enable you to use Chords that have open strings. But if you play with pro bands and orchestras, then you will be expected to play in the Key of A flat B flat D flat & E flat because horns etc are best played in those keys. Flatted keys cannot be played professionally with a Capo because they are regularly changing key mid song so you have to learn Barre Forms - and then flatted keys are not a problem. Sooner or later Barre Forms should be in your future you must master them to be considered a true intermediate. I hope that helps, stick with me and I will cover 5-6 string Barres soon.
Funny Story: Many years ago I auditioned for the hottest Praise Band/Orchestra in The metroplex that paid very well. I was doing great and started to think I was in. THEN they played a few songs in flatted keys - I just played scales etc in that key but did not know those keys, so they never asked me back. I finally figured out how it all works and now I want to tell you what I learned so you are not humiliated in public like I was. Happily, I ended up doing fine, I got several great praise band lead guitar jobs for several decades which was a good stable income and fun.
Thanks for the comment it helps a lot of other Guitarists as well who are thinking the same thing.
@@spaceagejim8482
I was being a smart ass because I knew that chord is more difficult but I get what you mean about its being uncommon. I learned ska music when I was younger so I mastered the 5 string barre chord a long time ago.
Awesome, don't worry about your original comment my friend you helped a lot of Guitarists because you made that comment.
Keep coming back as we need all the experience we can get from all styles of players. We are serious about Guitar on this channel.
I guess I invented a B chord, I've never saw anyone do it. Can a chord be pattented?
I've applied for "H" and "J".
Wow, I'm impressed you invented B. It must be maddening to see everyone using the very Chord you invented and no royalties!
@@spaceagejim8482 not yet, nobody uses it for now
У меня так палец не гнется. 🙂
My finger doesn't bend that way.
Like so many others that backward Finger Bend may be impossible for you. Luckily the fingers 2-4 technique is perfectly acceptable, likewise there are few Chords that require that movement of the 3rd finger, so in the end it is no big problem.
Same here. Been playing for almost fifty years, it just won't happen. That is how I got motivated to buy my first capo, and transpose.
If I'm writing 'acoustic B songs I'm capo all day long
Capo's work in a lot of situations, but don't overdo it.
I think we've come to the consensus that B is a jerk. 😉
B is kind of like the Crane Flies that fly around my doors every year trying to get in. You have to deal with it, but it leads to something really great when you figure out you have accidently mastered the Hardest Barre Form of the 5 String A shape Barre. You have actually learned 12 new chords, you just don't know it yet. I'll explain this in an upcoming video on Barre Chords, there is only 1 additional Barre Form to learn then you own the whole neck, and you are a solid intermediate. If you don't master Barre Forms then a case can be made against your being an intermediate.
Be dedicated, Be patient, I'm sure you will get it under your fingers.
I choose songs without the b chord......😂
I'm working on a video on the Bb Chord for release this weekend. My hand and forearm are totally locked up due to it being almost impossible to play for long. It's even worse than you think near the nut. It will be a must see video, I hope it will sober up people about the difficulty of making this chord sound decent.
@spaceagejim8482 thanks....looking forward to it
I power chord it 😂 and hope no one notices
Well if your playing Rock it will work for sure.
I won't tell on you, if you don't tell on me.
Haha we will stick together.
Several times I thought I played bad but nobody said anything, but not always, the worst is being a section leader and getting chewed out by the conductor. They can be uptight because if you play badly then they responsible for hiring you in the first place. Always be prepared.
I don't think it's hard. If you're having trouble, lighted you guage, or work on guitar set up. You also could drop one step, then use a capo. Also play more to build hand strength. There's many many other ways to Play a b cord..
Each of your suggestions are correct. Thanks for the valuable Comment.
To B or not to B”
, that B the question. Which B for YOU?
Haha, keep coming back you are at the right place.
I use my pinky on this chord. I cant strecth my ring finger that far. 😂
I've now tried it 3 Times & my pinky screams STOP. I need to start lifting weights with it to build it up. I'm now starting to get a complex about my weeny pinky.
@@spaceagejim8482 😂
No one way is best..depends
Agreed, I try and be fair to each method showing positives & negatives. Sometimes one method is better for the situation, I have found that there are Methods out there that are just inefficient & I can't think of any use for as there is a better way. Often there is a method that fits most situations like the Barred Method B in this case but I also use the Barred 234 & 4 string method sometimes. You figured this out a while back.
Thank you for the comment you help a lot of our Guitarists community.
Capo on 2, play in D, end of....
That will work depending on the song, esp if there are no difficult Key changes that come up.
Tune your damn guitar.
I knew I forgot something, drats, I'll get it right next time.
What wait there’s a B cord
In my dream world there is no B Chord. yet, here it is in front of me.
I want to see the world's angriest guitar player play a B chord 🤬
I just watched him in action. I would say he should have called it quits for the night well before he destroyed his guitar. I found that when I can't get something right to just walk away and come back after a few hours or overnight. Oftentimes I can play what I was trying to do in the first place after taking a break.
Does anyone else experience that?
Always hated the B. Easiest for me is an A triad on the 4th fret.
Everyone feels the B Chord pain, but if you master it you WILL feel the gain. B is important as it is a foundation of mastering the entire fretboard. Playing Guitar is like weightlifting, if you want to get build muscle you have to push yourself. Thanks for the Comment
@@spaceagejim8482 Cheers from the UK.
You are always welcomed here.
I don't understand why so many people spell the bar chord as barre, where does this spelling come from, sometimes I carry a bar in my trunk or I know people that drink alcohol and they go to a bar. I've never used a pry barre, or gone to a barre for a drink. I actually found the definition but have no idea where it's sourced from.
Wikipedia says: 'In music, a barre chord (also spelled bar chord) is a type of chord on a guitar or other stringed instrument played by using one finger to press down multiple strings across a single fret of the fingerboard (like a bar pressing down the strings).'
It seems like a good explanation. I understand your point, actually I did not know you could spell it Bar so I learned something new from your comment, thank you. I just learned 'Barre' that way at random from decades ago somewhere when I was learning this stuff without benefit of an internet, 'Barre' works because as you mentioned a 'Drinking Bar' a 'Crow Bar' etc. is confusing.
I used to play Classical String Bass with several Orchestras for 11 years and had to buy a book of musical terms to keep up with what the notations on the score stood for. Thanks for the comment, they help out so many other Guitarists.
It comes from French - barré. Past participle meaning "barred".
Thank you for further clarifying, a lot of those terms derive from French and German in Classical Music hundreds of years ago. If a use them then I have to go off on an explanation of the word, which wastes time for no return.
0:02 0:02 @spaceagejim8482 so anything that has to be explained is a waste of time!Ergo learning is a waste of time
Non. C'est du français. Its from French... Barré... pronounced baareh. Since US are so bad at languages u kept it as barre / bar. Like 'forte' in isn't pronounced for, but forteh.
Or, tell the rest of the band to play in another key
Ideally, but those horn players will rebel. haha
😂 My 67 yr old Dad learned the Bass 5 years ago and last year I finally pushed him to write our first song together.
Me- Pick a key.
Dad- Idk?!
Me- What’s your favorite key on Bass?
Dad- Ohhh B major!
Me- Who the fuck picks B major as their FIRST song?!
It came out great. I’ve played for 20 yrs so wasn’t a problem… just too funny, tho.
d capo 2. problem solved. when playing in e i use only bar + 2 fingers leaving the pinky out.
it makes the b chord more interesting and is easier
I do recommend using a Capo on many occasions like solo and accompaniment if the key does not change.
Thanks for the comment
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Yo're wrong. The easiest way is to play b7 on the second and first fret instead of b. Elvis Presley tought it me on his 68 comeback special.
B7 minor on 5 string-B, 4-dis, 3-a, 2-h,1-fis
B7 major
Thanks for the comment, it will help a lot of players.
Argh, B chord! Cheap guitars make great fire wood- l'll play the drums at least i, think I could- I'll bang em all day for the neighborhood- they probably hate it but my dog thinks im good. You can finish the song 😂
And that my friend is completely understood.
Thanks for the laugh.
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The Subject Breaks are usually used as a demonstration of advanced technique of what we just learned. I like to demonstrate guitar competency myself & show I am not just 1 lesson ahead the material I am presenting. I always present original material that I created. I'm hoping to raise awareness of Fingerstyle Guitar before it becomes become a 'Lost Art'.
dont play B at all. Thats what I do.
i didnt see all the comments. Looks like Im not the only one
I understand, but the Key of E makes us learn it, and E is too cool to pass on in standard tuning.
If you're playing the blues, the B7 might be a good choice! (oops, @timmccreery6597 beat me to it! :-})
For Blues, that Fat Low E & B7 are a Swamp Dogs Delight.