How to play a B7 guitar chord

In this beginners guitar lesson, we look at how to play a B7 chord on guitar. As well as being an essential basic chord, this can be used as an alternative to the very tricky B major barre chord. It is also in my opinion crucial preparation for the F barre chord.

Here I also cover the common chord changes with a B7, including an E to B7 and a G to B7.

Click here for the full list of lesson videos plus chord sheets

Help us caption & translate this video!

[andycrowley]

Not at this time Lee. But have a look for the chord sequence and give it a go when you've learnt all the chords for it. I'm training people to be able to play any song they like, not just one ones in the videos. Have a go when your ready!

[GilWilliams]

Trying to practice at least 30 minutes a day. Your vids are helping me out a lot. I can't do a bar chord yet; hurts the fingers too much.  Working through this B7 ;(

[andycrowley]

Many, they have a different sound quality too, and some strumming patterns can be funkier with bar chords, or be muted. I'll do a video on the F soon

[blackskr]

Thank you! I'm a hardcore beginner and I've been trying to learn creep, but I couldn't get that damn B chord! This is way easier, especially when you prefer playing open chords.

[spiralgoddess]

I'm learning 7 chords right now it's not easy and I like to go back and play songs with AEDGC or AmDmEm. Thank you for showing your tips to play this. I am finding this really challenging to force my fingers on 2nd fret where they are meant to land.

[andycrowley]

Tune! not quite yet, but yes at some point!

[xwelshxkittenx]

Before Ive started lessons, I was teaching myself the basic chords and this one especially. I thought the f sharp was hard at first but the b chord is even harder lol

[ThaSupaHeroReD]

Why does my third finger keep touching the lower string no matter how i move my hand????

[MrMoonlightmile]

Hi Andy. Any chance you could shows us how to play Black is the colour, preferably Paul Wellers version.

[renlytown]

Hi, Andy. May I ask what guitar this is? I see it's yamaha ...

[LeeOB]

Any chance that you're thinking of uploading "Space oddity- By David Bowie"?

[LBart]

I'm finding this chord a real pain in the ass to play - obviously I have not had enough practice at it - while trying to learn "Blue Christmas" by Elvis Presley. I can play the B major and the F major barre chord much more easily than the B7.

[hayleydevil]

hi Andy first i want 2 thanks u alot for ur help hmmmm i had a resquest plz can u do numb by linkin park :) luv u all z way from mauritius :P