Learning guitar chords can be an exciting journey, and while some chords come easily, others, like the Bb chord, might present a bit more of a challenge, especially for beginners. But don’t worry! This essential chord is a gateway to playing a huge range of songs and expanding your guitar skills. This guide will break down everything you need to know to play the Bb chord on guitar, from common shapes to easier alternatives, and even songs you can learn to practice it.
Bb Chord in Popular Music: Songs You Can Play
The Bb chord is far from obscure; it’s a staple in many genres and appears in countless popular songs. Mastering it opens up a vast catalog of music for you to play.
Pop Hits Featuring the Bb Chord
Dive into the sunny vibes of the Beach Boys with “Good Vibrations” or groove to the soulful rhythm of The O’Jays’ “Now That We Found Love”. The Bb chord also shines in 80s new wave classics like Crowded House’s melodic “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and acoustic rock anthems such as “All I Want” by Toad the Wet Sprocket. These songs showcase the Bb chord in diverse pop contexts, proving its versatility.
Rock Anthems and the Bb Chord
Rock music is no stranger to the Bb chord. Iconic tracks like The Yardbirds’ “Heart Full of Soul” and Cream’s powerful “White Room” utilize the Bb chord to create their signature sounds. For a dose of classic rock energy, listen to Heart’s “Magic Man” or crank up the volume with Dio’s metal masterpiece “Holy Diver”. Exploring these rock songs will not only improve your Bb chord but also introduce you to legendary guitar riffs and progressions.
Playing the Standard Bb Chord: Barre Chord Shapes
If you’re new to guitar, the term “barre chord” might sound intimidating. However, understanding barre chords is crucial for playing the Bb chord in its most common forms. Think of learning barre chords as a rite of passage for guitarists. While they might seem tricky at first, mastering them unlocks a whole new level of playing. The two most popular ways to play the Bb chord involve barre chords, so let’s tackle them head-on before exploring easier alternatives. Once you get these shapes under your fingers, you’ll see why they are so essential.
Bb Chord (E Shape Barre Chord) in 6th Position
This Bb chord shape is based on the E major open chord shape, but moved up the neck and barred at the 6th fret. It’s a full-sounding version of the chord, utilizing all six strings. Here’s how to form the Bb major chord using the E shape barre chord in the 6th position:
- Index finger: Barre across all six strings at the 6th fret. Ensure each string is pressed down cleanly.
- Middle finger: Place on the 7th fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Ring finger: Place on the 8th fret of the A (5th) string.
- Pinky finger: Place on the 8th fret of the D (4th) string.
Strum all six strings from the low E string downwards. Focus on applying even pressure with your index finger to avoid buzzing and get a clear, resonant sound from each string.
Bb Chord (A Shape Barre Chord) in 1st Position
The second common Bb chord shape is based on the A major open chord shape and is barred at the 1st fret. This shape is played higher up the neck compared to the E shape barre chord. Here’s how to play the Bb major chord using the A shape barre chord in the 1st position:
- Index finger: Barre across five strings (from the A string to the high E string) at the 1st fret.
- Ring finger: Barre across the 3rd fret of the D (4th), G (3rd), and B (2nd) strings. This can be done with one finger barring across these three strings or using individual fingers if preferred.
Strum four strings down from the A string. This position can be a bit more challenging due to the close proximity to the guitar’s headstock, requiring more finger pressure for a clean sound. If you find this version too difficult initially, you can simplify it to a Bb5 chord by playing only the 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings using your index, ring, and pinky fingers respectively, omitting the barre on the higher strings.
Easier Bb Chord Variations for Beginners
If barre chords are still proving to be a hurdle, don’t get discouraged! There are easier versions of the Bb chord that can get you playing it in songs while you build up your barre chord strength and technique.
Four-String Bb Chord (Simplified A Shape)
This variation simplifies the A shape barre chord by removing the full barre and focusing on just four strings. It’s a great stepping stone to the full barre chord shape.
- Index finger: Place on the 1st fret of the high E (1st) string.
- Middle finger: Place on the 3rd fret of the D (4th) string.
- Ring finger: Place on the 3rd fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Pinky finger: Place on the 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string.
Strum four strings down from the D string. This version reduces the strain on your index finger and minimizes the barre, making it easier to fret while still retaining the essence of the Bb chord.
Three-Finger Bb Chord (Easiest Variation)
For the most beginner-friendly version, this three-finger Bb chord is an excellent starting point. It eliminates the stretch and barre completely, focusing on the essential notes of the chord.
- Index finger: Place on the 1st fret of the high E (1st) string.
- Ring finger: Place on the 3rd fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Pinky finger: Place on the 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string.
Strum three strings down from the G string. While this version is the least full-sounding, it allows you to play a Bb chord quickly and easily, perfect for practicing chord changes and playing simplified versions of songs.
Practice and Persistence: Mastering the Bb Guitar Chord
Learning the Bb chord, especially the barre chord versions, takes time and practice. It’s perfectly normal to find it challenging at first. The guitar’s tuning means that the Bb chord inherently relies on barre shapes, as there are no open string fingerings that create a Bb major chord. Embrace the challenge, and recognize that learning barre chords and the Bb chord is a significant step forward in your guitar journey. With each practice session, your finger strength and dexterity will improve, making the Bb chord and other barre chords more accessible.
As you add barre chords to your musical toolkit, a whole new world of musical possibilities opens up. Keep practicing, explore songs that use the Bb chord, and most importantly, enjoy the process of learning and expanding your guitar skills!
To further your chord knowledge, Fender Play offers a comprehensive chord library where you can explore various chord types and find helpful tips for mastering them. And if you’re looking for structured lessons and guidance, sign up for a free Fender Play trial and take your guitar playing to the next level!
