Chord guide

Bb chord on guitar (Bb major)

The Bb chord is the notes Bb, D and F. The usual shape is a barre at the 1st fret: x 1 3 3 3 1, from the low E string to the high E. Strum it below, tap a string to hear its note, or open it on the full guitar and play it yourself.

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How to play Bb

Numbers are fingers: 1 index to 4 little

Lay your index finger flat across the A to the high E string at the 1st fret.
Your middle finger on the D string at the 3rd fret.
Your ring finger on the G string at the 3rd fret.
Your little finger on the B string at the 3rd fret.
Don't play the low E string: start your strum on the A string.

Easier Bb

The top four strings, no full barre

Bb (easy)

Strum only the four thinnest strings: x x 3 3 3 1. It's a good way in before the full shape. Pick Easy under "Ways to play Bb" above to hear it.

Your middle finger on the D string at the 3rd fret.
Your ring finger on the G string at the 3rd fret.
Your little finger on the B string at the 3rd fret.
Your index finger on the high E string at the 1st fret.
Don't play the low E and A strings: start your strum on the D string.

Bb up the neck

The same chord, higher and brighter

Bb (up the neck)

Play it as 6 8 8 7 6 6, a barre at the 6th fret. Pick the Up the neck shape above to hear it.

Lay your index finger flat across the low E to the high E string at the 6th fret.
Your ring finger on the A string at the 8th fret.
Your little finger on the D string at the 8th fret.
Your middle finger on the G string at the 7th fret.

Chords that go with Bb

The chords of Bb major: they sit next to Bb in songs, so they sound right before and after it.

All the chords: guitar chord chart. Songs that use them: easy guitar songs. Tune up first with the online guitar tuner.