The B7 chord uses your index, middle, and ring fingers across four strings

The B7 chord is a dominant seventh chord built on the note B. It contains four notes: B, D#, F#, and A. On guitar, you play it by placing your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string (the fifth string), your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the D string (the fourth string), your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string (the first string), and letting the B string (the second string) ring open. The low E string (the sixth string) is muted or not played.

This fingering is one of the most common ways to voice B7 because it sits in the middle of the neck and leaves your pinky free to move to other chords. The chord produces a bright, bluesy sound that works well in blues progressions, rock songs, and jazz standards.

Key Takeaways

  • B7 uses your index finger on the A string's 2nd fret, middle finger on the D string's 3rd fret, and ring finger on the high E string's 2nd fret, with the B string open.
  • The low E string is muted or not played in this voicing, so either mute it with your thumb or straightforward avoid striking it.
  • Press down firmly behind the frets (not on top of them) and keep your fingers close to the frets to reduce buzzing and muting of adjacent strings.
  • B7 is a dominant seventh chord commonly used in blues, rock, and jazz to create tension that often resolves to an E chord or another chord a fourth below.

Finger placement and hand position

Start by placing your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string. Your finger should press down directly behind the fret wire, not on top of it or in the middle of the fret space. This position gives you the clearest tone and reduces buzzing.

Next, place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the D string. Your hand should curve naturally so your fingers approach the strings at an angle rather than straight on. This angle lets you avoid accidentally muting the B string, which needs to ring open.

Finally, place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string. At this point, your three fingers form a small triangle across the neck. Your thumb should rest behind the neck, roughly opposite your middle finger, to give you leverage and stability.

Muting the low E string

The low E string (the thickest string) should not ring in a B7 chord. You have two ways to handle this: mute it with the side of your index finger, or straightforward avoid striking it when you strum. Many players find it easier to avoid the string altogether rather than trying to mute it while holding down the other notes.

If you do want to mute it with your index finger, angle your index finger slightly so the fleshy side of your finger touches the low E string while your fingertip presses the A string. This takes practice, so do not worry if it feels awkward at first.

Strumming and sounding out the chord

Once your fingers are in place, strike the strings starting from the B string (the second string) and moving toward the high E string. This means you skip the low E string and begin with the open B string. Strum down across all four strings: B, D, G, and high E.

Listen for a clear, ringing tone on each string. If any string sounds muted or buzzy, check that your fingers are pressing firmly behind the frets and that your hand is not accidentally touching adjacent strings. It often takes a few tries to find the exact hand position that lets all four strings ring cleanly.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

The most common mistake is pressing too lightly. B7 requires firm pressure, especially on the D string's 3rd fret, which is farther from the nut than the other two frets. If your notes sound dull or muted, press harder and make sure your fingertips are directly behind the fret wire.

Another frequent problem is accidentally muting the B string with your middle finger. If the B string sounds dead, move your middle finger slightly toward the D string or angle it so it does not touch the B string at all. You may also be striking the low E string by accident; practice starting your strum on the B string instead of the low E.

If the chord sounds buzzy, your fingers may be too close to the frets rather than directly behind them, or your hand tension may be too loose. Tighten your grip slightly and move your fingers closer to the fret wire.

Transitioning to and from B7

B7 appears most often in blues progressions and as a passing chord in rock and jazz. In a 12-bar blues in E, B7 typically appears in the second line (bars 9–10) and resolves back to E. To move from E to B7, keep your index and ring fingers in place and move your middle finger from the 2nd fret of the G string to the 3rd fret of the D string.

When moving from B7 to E, lift your middle finger and move your index finger from the A string to the low E string. These small adjustments make the transition smooth and fast. Practice the E-to-B7-to-E sequence slowly until your fingers move without thinking.

Alternative B7 voicings

The voicing described above is the most common, but B7 has other shapes. A barre chord version uses your index finger across the 2nd fret of all six strings, then adds your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the D string. This version is harder to play cleanly but is useful if you need to move quickly between different seventh chords.

Another option is to play B7 higher up the neck, around the 7th fret, using a different finger arrangement. This voicing sounds brighter and works well in jazz contexts. Once you are comfortable with the basic shape, experimenting with these alternatives will expand your options and help you understand how the same chord can sound different depending on where and how you play it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does B7 sound different from other seventh chords I know?

B7 is a dominant seventh chord, which means it has a tense, bluesy quality built into it. The interval between B and F# (a tritone) creates that characteristic sound. Dominant sevenths are designed to resolve to another chord, usually one a fourth below, so B7 naturally wants to move to E.

Can I play B7 without muting the low E string?

Technically yes, but it will sound muddy and clash with the other notes in the chord. The low E string contains an E note, which is not part of B7 (B, D#, F#, A). Muting or avoiding it keeps the chord clean and clear.

My fingers keep muting the B string. What should I do?

Angle your middle finger so it does not touch the B string, or move it slightly closer to the D string. You can also practice lifting your middle finger slightly while keeping your index and ring fingers pressed down, then place it back. This builds the hand awareness you need.

Is B7 harder than other chords?

B7 is moderately difficult because it requires three separate finger placements across different frets. It is easier than a full barre chord but harder than open chords like G or D. With a few minutes of daily practice, most players can play it cleanly within a week or two.

What songs use B7?

B7 appears in countless blues songs, rock standards, and jazz tunes. It is especially common in 12-bar blues progressions in the key of E. Listen to classic blues recordings or rock songs in E, and you will hear B7 used to create tension and movement in the chord progression.