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B 5th chord on guitar (B5)
Also called or written B5, B or B power chord
B 5th contains the notes B and F♯. This intermediate power chord at the second fret requires a two-fret stretch between the index and ring fingers.
How it is built
Formula 1, 5
- Root positionB–F♯B5×-2-4-4-×-×
- First inversionF♯–BB5/F♯2-2-4-4-×-×
How do you play a B 5th chord on guitar?
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 low E, B and high e strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | 2 | 1 | B (1) |
| 4 (D) | 4 | 2 | F♯ (5) |
| 3 (G) | 4 | 3 | B (1) |
| 2 (B) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (e) | muted | — | — |
IntermediateThe hardest part is the two-fret stretch between the index finger and the middle and ring fingers at the second fret.
7th fret
B 5th is played at the 7th fret as 7 9 9 × × ×: index finger on the low 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, B and high e strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 7 | 1 | B (1) |
| 5 (A) | 9 | 2 | F♯ (5) |
| 4 (D) | 9 | 3 | B (1) |
| 3 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 2 (B) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (e) | muted | — | — |
B5/F♯ inversion
B 5th is played at the 2nd fret as 2 2 4 4 × ×: index finger on the low 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. The B and high e strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 2 | 1 | F♯ (5) |
| 5 (A) | 2 | 2 | B (1) |
| 4 (D) | 4 | 3 | F♯ (5) |
| 3 (G) | 4 | 4 | B (1) |
| 2 (B) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (e) | muted | — | — |
Why it sounds like that
B 5th is built from the 1st and 5th degrees of the B major scale, giving the formula 1–5. The perfect fifth interval produces the hollow, neutral sound of a power chord. Compare it with B major, which adds the major third D♯ for a complete major triad.
What goes wrong with B 5th?
- The 6th string sounds because the thumb does not mute it.
- The 2nd string rings open when the fretting hand fails to mute it.
- The 4th string buzzes because the middle finger is too far from the fret.
When to use it
B 5th functions as the tonic in B major progressions like B–E–F♯ (I–IV–V) or B–F♯–G♯m–E (I–V–vi–IV). Its neutral fifth suits rock, punk, and metal rhythm parts. Use it with B major and F♯ major for a full major sound.
Changing to and from B 5th
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 1st fret gives B♭ 5th.
- Sliding the shape up one fret to the 3rd fret gives C 5th.
Which voicing to use
The 2nd fret position is the default and works well for barre chord progressions. The 7th fret position moves the shape up the neck for a higher voicing. The B5/F♯ inversion puts the fifth in the bass, giving a less rooted, more open sound.
Other B chords
Common questions
What is the difference between B 5th and B major?
B 5th contains only B and F♯, while B major adds D♯. The missing third makes the power chord neutral and suitable for both major and minor contexts.
Can B 5th be played on the 6th string?
Yes, the 7th fret position uses the 6th string at fret 7 for the root B. The default position mutes the 6th string to keep the bass note on the 5th string.
Why is B 5th called a power chord?
Power chords contain only the root and fifth, producing a strong, focused sound with no major or minor quality. They are common in rock and metal because they sound clear under distortion.