The Bb guitar chord, often written as B flat, might seem daunting to beginner guitarists. It’s true, playing a Bb chord typically involves barre chords, which can be a hurdle early on. However, this chord is incredibly important and appears in countless songs across various genres. Learning the Bb guitar chord will significantly expand your musical horizons and is a rewarding challenge to conquer. Let’s dive into how to play the Bb guitar chord and explore some easier alternatives to get you started.
Songs that Use the Bb Chord
The Bb chord is a staple in popular music, showing up in hits from different eras and styles. Recognizing songs that feature the Bb chord can be a fun way to practice and appreciate its sound in context.
Pop Songs
If you listen to classic pop tunes, you’ll find the Bb chord enriching songs like “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys, giving it that bright, uplifting feel. Similarly, the soulful groove of “Now That We Found Love” by The O’Jays also utilizes the Bb chord, adding to its harmonic richness. Moving into the 80s, new wave and acoustic rock hits incorporated the Bb chord too. Listen to the melodic strains of “Don’t Dream It’s Over” by Crowded House or the introspective sound of “All I Want” by Toad the Wet Sprocket, and you’ll hear the Bb chord at play.
Rock Songs
The world of rock music is also filled with iconic songs featuring the Bb chord. Classic rock anthems like The Yardbirds’ “Heart Full of Soul” and the psychedelic blues-rock of “White Room” by Cream both showcase the Bb chord’s versatility. For a harder rock edge, tracks like “Magic Man” by Heart and the heavy metal power of “Holy Diver” by Dio demonstrate how the Bb chord can rock just as hard.
How to Play the Bb Chord
For many guitarists, learning barre chords is a significant step in their playing journey. The Bb major chord, in its most common forms, requires mastering barre chords. While it might feel challenging initially, understanding these shapes opens up a world of musical possibilities. Let’s explore the two most common ways to play the Bb chord using barre chords.
The first common method uses the E shape barre chord, positioned at the 6th fret to create the Bb guitar chord. Here’s how to form this Bb chord in the 6th position:
- Place your index finger across all six strings at the 6th fret. This is your barre.
- Your middle finger goes on the 7th fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Your ring finger is positioned on the 8th fret of the A (5th) string.
- Your pinky finger goes on the 8th fret of the D (4th) string.
Make sure each string rings clearly. Strum all six strings downwards from the low E string.
The second standard way to play the Bb chord utilizes the A shape barre chord at the 1st fret. This position can be a bit trickier because of the proximity to the guitar’s headstock, requiring more finger pressure for a clean sound. Here’s how to play the Bb chord in the 1st position using the A shape:
- Use your index finger to barre across the 5th (A string), 2nd (B string), and 1st (high E string) strings at the 1st fret.
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the D (4th) string.
- Ensure your ring finger also covers the 3rd fret of the G (3rd) string and the 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string. (In practice, you’re barring with the ring finger across the D, G, and B strings.)
Strum downwards from the A string, including the top four strings. If you find this full barre chord too challenging at first, especially in terms of getting a clean sound, you can simplify it to a Bb5 chord. To do this, just play the 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings of this shape, using your index, ring, and pinky fingers respectively, omitting the barre and the top B and high E strings.
If barre chords are still proving difficult, don’t worry! There are easier versions of the Bb chord that can help you play songs with Bb chords while you build up your barre chord strength.
Easier Alternatives
For guitarists seeking a less demanding way to play the Bb chord, several easier alternatives exist. These variations are perfect for beginners or when you need a quicker chord change without the full barre.
One simplified version involves removing the barre with your index finger from the 5th string in the A shape. This variation focuses on the top four strings, making it easier to fret. Here’s how to play this 4-string Bb chord:
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the high E (1st) string.
- Your middle finger goes on the 3rd fret of the D (4th) string.
- Your ring finger is positioned on the 3rd fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Your pinky finger goes on the 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string.
Strum down from the D string, playing the top four strings. This version reduces the pressure needed from your index finger and can be less strenuous. However, it introduces a slight stretch between your index and middle fingers.
If that stretch still feels uncomfortable, you can simplify it further to a three-finger version of the Bb chord. This variation is even more beginner-friendly. Here’s the three-finger Bb chord:
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the high E (1st) string.
- Your ring finger goes on the 3rd fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Your pinky finger goes on the 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string.
Strum down from the G string, playing the top three strings. This version is the easiest of the alternatives and is a great starting point.
Learning the Bb guitar chord, especially the barre chord versions, can be challenging at first. Due to the guitar’s tuning, open string voicings for Bb are not readily available, making barre chords essential for playing this chord in many contexts. Take pride in your progress as you learn and remember that mastering barre chords like Bb unlocks a vast range of musical possibilities.
To expand your chord vocabulary further, be sure to explore Fender Play’s extensive chord library, where you can learn about different chord types and find helpful tips for mastering them. And if you’re not already a member, sign up for a free Fender Play trial to access lessons, song tutorials, and much more to support your guitar learning journey.
