Also written B5, B or B power chord
B 5th contains B and F♯. The 2nd fret position requires a two-fret stretch, making it an intermediate power chord.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
B 5th is built from the root and perfect fifth. It omits the third, so it is neither major nor minor. Compare it to B major, which adds D♯.
B 5th is the tonic in B major progressions like B–E–F♯, the I–IV–V. It suits rock and metal bass lines that need a driving root-fifth pattern. Try it with E major and F♯ major.
The 2nd fret position is the standard choice, but the 7th fret voicing offers a brighter tone. The B5/F♯ inversion puts the fifth in the bass, which can create a smoother bass line.
B 5th is played at the 2nd fret as × 2 4 4: index finger on the A string at fret 2, middle finger on the D string at fret 4 and ring finger on the G string at fret 4. The E string stays muted.
Tip — The stretch from the 2nd to the 4th fret across three strings requires finger independence.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (A) | 2 | 1 | B (1) |
| 2 (D) | 4 | 2 | F♯ (5) |
| 1 (G) | 4 | 3 | B (1) |
B 5th is played at the 7th fret as 7 9 9 ×: index finger on the E string at fret 7, middle finger on the A string at fret 9 and ring finger on the D string at fret 9. The G string stays muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7 | 1 | B (1) |
| 3 (A) | 9 | 2 | F♯ (5) |
| 2 (D) | 9 | 3 | B (1) |
| 1 (G) | muted | — | — |
B 5th is played at the 2nd fret as 2 2 4 4: index finger on the E string at fret 2, middle finger on the A string at fret 2, ring finger on the D string at fret 4 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 4.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2 | 1 | F♯ (5) |
| 3 (A) | 2 | 2 | B (1) |
| 2 (D) | 4 | 3 | F♯ (5) |
| 1 (G) | 4 | 4 | B (1) |
B 5th is written as B5 or simply B. It is also called a power chord.
B 5th has only B and F♯, while B major adds D♯. The missing third makes B 5th neither major nor minor.
No barre is needed for B 5th. Use separate fingers for the fretted notes.