From rock classics to new wave hits, many songs incorporate B flat chords at various points. Learning them may prove challenging at first, but once mastered they can open up an amazing array of sounds for you.
This article will explain the root-5 B flat barre chord, as well as a simpler method of playing it.
Major
Major is one of the simplest and most frequently played guitar chords, making it one of the first chords most guitarists learn to play. Composed from C as its root note and E and G as third notes from its major scale scale respectively – also referred to as its third note and fifth note respectively. These three notes form what’s known as a triad – the smallest grouping that forms chords.
This chord is one of the easiest chords to play on any instrument and is commonly seen in songs with upbeat, happy feelings and can be heard all across radio stations and popular music – you may have even come across this chord before! Chances are high you have already come across it in one or more songs that you love!
To play this chord, place your index finger on the fifth fret of the B string to create an easily held barre chord; all other fingers on your right hand then move into their third positions on D, E and G strings respectively – creating a major barre chord.
To add extra depth, the ring and pinky fingers of both hands can be used to add an extra fret. However, if this proves too complicated or you feel uneasy placing two extra fingers on the fretboard then just leave this part of the chord out altogether; what’s important is getting down its basic form and practicing until it comes naturally.
Major guitar chords do not contain bass notes, omitting the lower frequencies that give songs depth and weight. Therefore, having a bassist as part of your band can fill in any lower notes that would otherwise go missing when performing solo chords.
Minor guitar chords are another popular choice. Their distinctive feature is their minor interval, giving the chord a melancholic feel. A key difference between major and minor chords lies in their third note – majors can provide upbeat feelings whereas minor chords often sound sadder and melancholy.
Minor
Minor chords are an integral component of every guitarist’s toolbox. They offer dramatic contrast in song progression and can help create tension without words. To form a minor chord, start with its root note (C in an A minor chord and E in C major). Play it any way that suits your preference; all other notes can also be modified according to personal taste.
Bar chords are the go-to way of playing B flat minor chords, and are easily the most straightforward method. To play one, place your index finger on the sixth fret of string B before moving on to placing your middle finger at its seventh fret on string A and finally your ring finger on its eighth fret on string D – you may feel your fingers getting bunched up here; that is normal; now strumming all but the thickest E string.
Playing a B flat minor chord involves placing your index finger on the fourth fret of string D and your ring finger on its fifth fret – creating a chord with the same sound, yet only using three strings – strum this chord carefully, taking care to make sure that none of its notes muted or buzzed out during strumming.
Some players also opt to use their left-hand pinky instead of their index finger for this chord shape, in order to achieve a more open sound and is especially beneficial for beginners with limited experience playing barre chords. Be careful not to apply too much pressure; otherwise it could cause the chord’s tension to collapse and sound flat.
Learn the movable shapes of a B flat minor chord as they can be moved around to produce different types of chords – for instance, move the second chord shape up two frets to play an F chord.
Dominant
Use of dominant seventh chords is a staple in various genres of music, from rock and country to funk. Jimi Hendrix made famous the use of E7#9 chords in “Purple Haze,” adding tension that made the song all the more unforgettable. This type of chord is known as an altered dominant as its sharp ninth interval is added into its traditional dominant seventh interval.
To create this type of chord, begin with a major seventh chord and add two minor thirds at both roots and fifths; this forms a dominant triad – one of the easiest chords to construct; B-flat dominant triads are also commonly referred to as Bdom7 chords.
There are various methods of inverting a dominant seventh chord, each altering its form in some way. To create the initial inversion, take the lowest note (in this instance the fourth note of the scale) and move it up an octave; second inversion will keep these same notes, yet they’ll now be inverted; while third inversion creates an inverted triad with an additional sixth-note (commonly written as 6/4/2 or dm7-b).
This inversion enables you to move the second and fifth notes up an octave for an augmented seventh chord – more complex than its dominating cousin but offering intriguing harmonic possibilities.
To add depth and drama, the diminished seventh chord can add a new layer of interest. This variation takes the basic dominant seventh and lowers its third to become a minor third; an ideal choice when used over minor keys for added tension and drama.
The open C7 chord boasts the fullest sound among these, yet there are additional voicings that can take your guitar playing to new levels. To play this version, place your index finger on the third fret of the second string and ring finger on fifth fret of fourth string (omitting low E string and strumming as necessary).
Harmonic
Harmonics in music are amplified overtones of any given note. You can produce harmonics on any stringed instrument by lightly tapping on one of its frets – usually the twelfth, seventh, or fifth fret – then placing your finger very lightly over one or more frets (usually the twelfth fret, seventh fret or fifth fret ). Harmonics occur at precise nodes on a string and split it into halves, thirds and fourths respectively – playing one note (E), you might hear an array of frequencies revolving around that one note!
Harmonics can be used to play various chords ranging from major to minor and dominant chords, adding great texture to your playing. Combining harmonics with conventionally fretted notes can add even greater dimension.
Example: Use a B flat harmonic minor chord to add tension and emotion to a sad song, or even to compose an upbeat pop tune.
To play a harmonic, lightly rest your left thumb or index finger on a fret 12 frets higher than the note you are trying to play, and lightly press it onto a fret near it. Pluck the string with your picking hand until a clear bell-like tone emerges if done properly; otherwise try again until you find its sweet spot.
Once you master playing harmonics on the guitar, try practicing them on different fret positions. Look for harmonics at the 12th, seventh and fifth frets as well as other places along the fretboard – though these harmonics may be harder to produce and may not sound as clearly.
Eddie Van Halen famously used this technique, known as tapping harmonics. To augment this sound even further, you could add vibrato arm or whammy bar effects for added effects when tapping harmonics.
Acoustic guitar is an ideal instrument to experiment with harmonics as you can hear every frequency range of string vibrations, making it easier to identify their “sweet spots.” When you become proficient with harmonics on an acoustic, try them out in your songs; use them at the end of a song, over certain chords in songs or as part of your bassline – you might be amazed!