Dominant 7th chord
Level 4: 7th chords
Notes: B, D♯, F♯, A · Open position
Also known as: B7, B dom7, B dominant 7th, B dominant seventh
Fretting hand for left-handed players (your right hand), B dominant 7th. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.Fretting hand for right-handed players (your left hand), B dominant 7th. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.
- 1Index
- 2Middle
- 3Ring
- 4Pinky
- TThumb, behind the neck
How to play B dominant 7th
- Place your first finger on the first fret of the D string.
- Place your second finger on the second fret of the A string.
- Place your third finger on the second fret of the G string.
- Place your fourth finger on the second fret of the high E string.
- Strum only the A, D, G, B and high E strings.
Tips for new players
- Keep your thumb behind the neck and let your fingers arch.
- Press just behind the fret, not on top of it, so every string rings clearly.
- Practice at a slow, steady pace, then try the progression below.
Chord video
Watch B dominant 7th, step by step
A short animation that builds the B dominant 7th chart and explains every symbol on it.
- X marks a string that is muted or not played.
- Open circle marks a string you play without fretting.
- Numbered dot marks a fretted string. The number is the finger to use.
Learn and practice B dominant 7th
Practice progression
B7, C7, D7
Switch between B7, C7 and D7 until the changes feel smooth.
Chords to learn next
B7 up the neck
The same chord in other places on the fretboard. Tap Hear it to listen, or Watch to play the animation for your hand.