The Bb chord, left-handed

Left-handed Bb diagram

Vertical: high e on the left, nut at the top. Horizontal: high e at the top, nut on the right. X = silent, O = open. Dot numbers are fingers: 1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little. A thick line joins notes held with one finger as a barre.

Fret and finger guide

Both codes read from low E to high e, regardless of the diagram view.

Frets

x · 1 · 3 · 3 · 3 · 1

Fingers

– · 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 1

Level

Intermediate (this fingering)

Make a clean Bb chord

Barre the upper five strings at fret 1. Leave low E silent and keep each finger close to its fret.

1. Place one finger at a time, just behind the fret wire.
2. Pick each sounding string slowly. Adjust any finger that mutes its neighbour.
3. Release pressure, then make the shape again. Aim for a relaxed hand.
4. Strum four beats, rest for four, then repeat. Rest if your hand becomes tired; stop if you feel pain.

Another way to play it

Try xx3331 for a four-string Bb with F in the bass.

Fret codes are written low E to high e. An x means leave that string silent.