The B power chord – properly referred to as a root-fifth chord – represents the starting point for most power chord progressions played where the 5th string provides the root note of each succeeding chord.

We begin by identifying the note B on the 5th string which is found on the second fret. Using basic music theory we walk up the scale on the A String (5th String) moving past A# on the 1st fret to the B on the 2nd fret.

Across the strings below the root B, the fingers will form what is called a bar. This simply means that one’s fingers lay across all the strings above the root, though in this chord it will not be necessary that adequate pressure for clear tone be applied to any string but the 5th string by the first finger.

Now we strum the bar to ensure the B note is played cleanly. The best place for your fingers when fretting any note is to be as close to the actual fret (metal bar) as is possible. Look at your index finger and make sure it’s pushed up as close to the fret as you can for the best tone.

If you get the dreaded fret buzz try moving your finger within the fret, closer to the fret bar is preferred but you might find it is easier for you to have your finger positioned in the middle of the fret. Also try pushing down harder with the tip of your finger, these methods should help you get that cleaner tone.

Adding the fifth note and the octave to this B power chord gives us a rich sounding chord. The fifth note in the B Major Scale is an F#, remember the B Major scale goes B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A#, B. We want to play the F# on the 3rd string from the top which is the D String. The B octave is found one string below the F#, still on the 4th fret.

There are several ways in which one can fret these remaining notes. One may use their 3rd and 4th fingers – ring and pinky – to fret the notes individually. If this method is chosen, use the ring finger to fret the note on the larger 4th string and the pinky finger to fret the note on the comparatively light 3rd string. Remember to position the fingers close to the forward fret for the best possible tone.

If this method proves immediately fatiguing, try barring the other two notes with either the ring or the pinky finger. The ring finger is stronger but requires more stretching. It does allow for one to trill one fret above the 4th fret which is a common motif in rock music.

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