B7 (B seventh) is built from 4 notes: B, D♯, F♯, A.
- Broot
- D♯major third
- F♯perfect fifth
- Aminor seventh
Formula: 1, 3, 5, b7
How to play B7 on guitar
x 2 1 2 0 2x 2 4 2 4 27 9 7 8 7 7Read the diagrams with the low E string on the left. × means do not play that string, ○ means play it open.
How to play B7 on piano
Play B, D♯, F♯, A together. With your right hand, use fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5 (thumb on B). Your left hand can play B an octave lower for a fuller sound.
Where B7 is used
B7 is the five chord (V7) in the keys of E major and E minor. Its D♯ and A pull toward the notes of the E chord, which is why B7 so often comes right before E or Em.
To hear the difference the seventh makes, play B and then B7. The extra A adds tension that wants to resolve.
Related chords
Change this chord into another key with the Chord Transposer, or look up any other chord or scale in the Chord and Scale Finder.