B7 guitar chord
The B7 chord (B dominant 7th) is built from the notes B, D#, F# and A, formula 1–3–5–b7. It appears in E major (as V7).
- Notes
- B D# F# A
- Type
- dominant 7th
- Level
- Beginner
OpenShape 1 of 3
x21202How to play B7
The standard open B7 shape is x21202. It needs 4 fingers and stays in the first few frets, so it is one of the chords most players learn early.
Bluesy and restless. A dominant 7th wants to resolve to the chord a fourth above it.
Other ways to play it
Songs with B7
- O Come, O Come, EmmanuelEmAmDGB7
- Wayfaring StrangerEmAmB7CG
- God Rest Ye Merry, GentlemenEmCDB7AmG
- We Three KingsEmB7DGAmC
- We Wish You a Merry ChristmasGCA7DB7Em
- Great Is Thy FaithfulnessDB7EmA7E7AGBm
- O Holy NightCFGEmB7G7AmDm
Questions
What notes are in the B7 chord?
B7 contains B, D#, F# and A. Its formula is 1–3–5–b7.
Is B7 hard to play on guitar?
No. The open shape (x21202) is beginner-friendly and doesn't need a barre.
What can I play instead of B7?
B is the closest simpler chord. It keeps the same root and basic character, so it works when B7 is too hard or too busy.
What songs use the B7 chord?
In our songbook, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, Wayfaring Stranger, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen and 4 more songs use B7.