The B major chord is one of the most common chords played on the guitar. It is often played in open position (pictured left). Countless songs incorporate the B chord including "With a Little Help From My Friends" by The Beatles, "Under the Bridge" by Red Hot Chili Peppers, and "Uprising" by Muse.

The B chord is comprised of the following notes in the key of B major: B (root), D# (3rd) and F# (5th).

Step 1: Learn the Shape of the Chord - The B major chord in open position (meaning it's played at the base of the guitar neck) uses the top five strings and only two fingers. Refer to the first picture on the left (chord shape). Study this picture and try to replicate these shapes with your fingers before even playing the chord on guitar.

Step 2: Apply this Shape to the Guitar - Now that you've practiced forming this bar shape with your fingers, apply the shape to the fretboard with your first finger (see left):

• 6th string isn't played
  
• 5th string is barred with 1st finger on the 2nd fret
  
• 4th string is barred with 3rd finger on the 4th fret
  
• 3rd string is barred with 3rd finger on the 4th fret
  
• 2nd string is barred with 3rd finger on the 4th fret
  
• 1st string is barred with 1st finger on the 2nd fret
  

Step 3: Strum the Chord - Strum the chord out clearly. Adjust your fingers accordingly so that there are no muffled notes or buzzing sounds. Be sure to hit each finger on the frets at a right angle to get the cleanest sound out of the B chord. Alternate between using your fingers and barring the chord. Make sure each form sounds crystal clear.

Step 1: Learn the Shape of the Chord - The common B major bar chord uses all six strings and all four fingers on your left hand. Refer to the picture on the left. Study this picture and try to replicate this shape with your fingers before even playing the chord on guitar.

Step 2: Apply this Shape to the Guitar - Now that you've practiced forming these shape with your fingers apply it to the fretboard like this:

• 6th string is barred with 1st finger on the 7th fret
• 3rd finger on the 9th fret of the 5th string
• 4th finger on the 9th fret of the 4th string
• 2nd finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd string
  
• 2nd string is barred with 1st finger on the 7th fret
• 1st string is barred with 1st finger on the 7th fret

Step 3: Strum the Chord - Strum the chord out clearly. Adjust your fingers accordingly so that there are no muffled notes or buzzing sounds. Be sure to hit each finger on the frets at a right angle to get the cleanest sound out of the B chord.