How to Play a 5 String Bb Chord for Guitar

Developing your technique can sound boring and tedious,but it doesn't have to be. By learning to play an upper-position chord, like the 5 string Bb chord, you can drastically improve your left-hand technique while adding a new chord to your vocabulary. Because the chord is located in the upper register, the frets are much closer together than the open position. This will cause you to have to be flexible and dexterous with your left-hand when playing this chord. The half-bar on the top three strings will also develop strength and dexterity in the left hand.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

How to Play a 5 String Bb Chord for Guitar

1. Place the left-hand pinky finger on the 13th fret of the fifth string. This is the note Bb, the root of the chord.

2. Position the left-hand ring finger on the 12th fret of the fourth string to produce the third of the chord, the note D.

3. Lay down your left-hand index finger over the top three strings on the 10th fret. The index finger will sound two notes, the fifth of the chord, F, on the third string and the third of the chord, D, on the first string.

4. Place the left-hand middle finger on the 11th fret of the second string, which is the root of the chord, the note Bb.

5. 
    

   Play all five strings to produce the 5 string Bb chord for guitar. Refer to the given example if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Keeping the left-hand pinky, ring and middle fingers curved will help to prevent them from accidentally cutting off the other strings.

Resources

• Practice Guide for Guitar Chords
• Guitar Lessons Online