How to Play Guitar in the Key of B

The key of B is one of the thinner-sounding keys. Its bright sound makes it one of the favorite keys of most ska bands.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

The B Chord

1. Review and memorize the names of the strings. Lowest to highest, they are E-A-D-G-B-E.
2. Lay your index finger across the second fret, pressing down firmly on all of the strings.
3. Place your middle finger on the fourth fret of the D string.
4. Place your ring finger on the fourth fret of the G string.
5. Place your pinky on the fourth fret of the B string.
6. Strum the chord downward, lowest strings toward the highest.

The E, F-Sharp and G-Sharp Minor Chords

7. Place your index finger on the first fret of the G string to begin the E chord.
8. Place your middle finger on the second fret of the A string.
9. Place your ring finger on the second fret of the D string.
10. Strum the strings downward to play the E chord.
11. Lay your index finger across all the strings on the second fret firmly to begin the F-sharp chord.
12. Place your middle finger on the third fret of the G string.
13. Place your pinky on the fourth fret of the D string.
14. Place your ring finger on the fourth fret of the A string.
15. Keep your index finger firmly against the fret board and strum the strings downward to play the F-sharp chord. All notes should sound out equally, and you shouldn't get a buzzing sound.
16. Lay your index finger across all the strings on the fourth fret firmly to begin the G-sharp minor chord.
17. Place your pinky on the sixth fret of the D string.
18. Place your ring finger on the sixth fret of the A string.
19. Strum the strings downward to play the G-sharp minor chord.

The Key of B

20. Freely strum the sequence, B, E, F-sharp. Disregard tempo and meter for now.
21. Strum each chord four times repeating the sequence of B, E, F-sharp.
22. Strum B four times, E two times, and F-sharp two times and repeat.
23. Repeat Step 22 while keeping a steady tempo. Use a metronome if accessible.
24. Strum B four times, E two times, and F-sharp four times.
25. Strum each chord two times.
26. Strum B two times, E two times, G-sharp four times, and F-sharp four times.
27. Experiment with your own variations and progressions.

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of stretching these three fingers out over the fourth fret, you can bend your ring finger across the fourth fret of the D, G, and B strings.
• This chord is difficult to master. It's a good idea to give it some extra practice.