The B6 guitar chord is a bright, jazzy, and versatile chord commonly used in genres like jazz, blues, and pop. Its rich, harmonious tone makes it a great addition to both rhythm and lead guitar work. Here’s everything you need to know about playing and using the B6 chord.
What is the B6 Guitar Chord?
The B6 chord is a major chord with an added 6th interval. The notes in the chord are:
- B (Root)
- D# (Major 3rd)
- F# (Perfect 5th)
- G# (Major 6th)
This chord can be thought of as a B major chord with the 6th note of the scale added.
How to Play the B6 Guitar Chord
Here are a few common ways to play the B6 chord:
A. Open Position B6 (Beginner-Friendly)
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 3rd string (G).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D).
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string (B).
- Strum from the 4th string (D) down, muting the low E and A strings.
B. Barre Chord (Root on 6th String, 7th Fret)
- Barre your index finger across all six strings at the 7th fret.
- Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 2nd string (B).
- Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 4th string (D).
- Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the 3rd string (G).
- Strum all six strings.
C. Barre Chord (Root on 5th String, 2nd Fret)
- Barre your index finger across all strings at the 2nd fret, from the 5th string (A) to the 1st string (high E).
- Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 4th string (D).
- Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd string (G).
- Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string (B).
- Strum from the 5th string down.
Video Tutorial
For visual learners, check out this step-by-step video tutorial to master the B6 guitar chord. Watch as the chord is broken down with clear finger positioning and strumming tips.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Muted Notes: Be sure each string rings clearly by pressing firmly and placing fingers close to the frets.
- Barre Pressure: In barre shapes, apply even pressure across all strings to avoid buzzing.
- Over-Strumming: Strum only the strings required for the specific chord voicing.
Tips for Playing the B6 Guitar Chord
- Start Slowly: Practice the simpler open position first before moving to barre shapes.
- Strengthen Your Barre Technique: For the barre chords, work on pressing evenly across the strings to avoid muted or buzzy notes.
- Experiment with Strumming Patterns: Try different rhythms to explore the full character of the B6 chord.
Chord Progressions Featuring B6
The B6 chord often appears in jazz and pop chord progressions. Here are some examples:
- B6 – Emaj7 – A#m7 (Jazz progression)
- B6 – G#m – E – F# (Pop ballad progression)
- B6 – F#m7 – G#7 – E6 (Bluesy progression)
Related Chords to B6
Learn these related chords to expand your playing:
- Bmaj: The base major chord from which B6 is derived.
- B7: A dominant chord often paired with B6 in blues and jazz.
- G#m7: A minor 7th chord in the same key.
Why Learn the B6 Guitar Chord?
The B6 chord adds warmth and sophistication to any chord progression. It’s a staple in jazz and blues but versatile enough for pop and acoustic genres. Learning this chord enhances your musical palette and helps you create lush, rich arrangements.
Conclusion
The B6 guitar chord is an excellent choice for adding color and variety to your music. Whether you’re strumming it in a progression or using it to embellish a melody, the B6 chord provides a beautiful, distinctive sound. Practice its shapes, experiment with progressions, and watch it elevate your playing.