Dominant 7th · intermediate
B dominant 7th(B7)
B7 is the first genuinely four-finger open chord most players meet, and the essential V chord for blues and songs in E. Expect a clumsy week — then it becomes automatic.
Notes
Intervals
Finger placement
- 1Index finger (1): 1st fret of the D string.
- 2Middle finger (2): 2nd fret of the A string.
- 3Ring finger (3): 2nd fret of the G string.
- 4Pinky (4): 2nd fret of the high E string.
Common mistakes
- Muting the open B string in the middle of the shape.
- Placing fingers in random order so the shape never settles.
- Avoiding B7 entirely and wrecking every blues in E.
Coaching tips
- All four fingers work — place finger 1 first as the anchor point.
- Build it slowly: index, then middle, then ring, then pinky.
- B7 is the price of admission for 12-bar blues in E — worth the week of awkwardness.
Troubleshooting
Open B string is dead
The ring finger is leaning on it. Stand all fingers more vertically.
Pinky won't stay down
Place the other three fingers first, then drop the pinky last — don't ask it to lead.
Hand cramps in seconds
Practice 4-beat holds with full releases between reps. Endurance grows from short clean holds, not grinding.
Progressions that use B7
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the B dominant 7th chord?
B dominant 7th contains B, D#, F#, A — the intervals R, 3, 5, b7 from the root B.
Is B dominant 7th a beginner chord?
B dominant 7th is rated intermediate. B7 is the first genuinely four-finger open chord most players meet, and the essential V chord for blues and songs in E. Expect a clumsy week — then it becomes automatic.
B dominant 7th: open b string is dead — what should I do?
The ring finger is leaning on it. Stand all fingers more vertically.
B dominant 7th: pinky won't stay down — what should I do?
Place the other three fingers first, then drop the pinky last — don't ask it to lead.