B7 Chord & Changes

The B7 chord is your gateway to barre chords and essential for playing blues in the key of E.

This major chord with an added flattened seventh degree creates that characteristic blues sound and commonly signals chord changes in progressions.

Main Learning Points:

• B7 fingering with optional thumb-over-top muting for string 6

• The essential reverse triangle shape (fingers 1-2-3) used throughout guitar playing

• Common progressions: E to B7 for blues, G to B7 for "Dock of the Bay" and "Stand By Me"

• Why the three-finger core (without pinky) gives 90% of the sound

• How Noel Gallagher reportedly never uses the pinky on B7 chords

• Applications in blues songs and classic rock progressionsTemp