The B Major Chord with an Added 4th and Its Harmonic Potential

The B major chord with an added 4th, specifically at the 7th fret with the fingering 799800, is a rewarding chord to play on the guitar. It offers a unique and appealing sound that can be seamlessly integrated into a variety of musical expressions. This chord works exceptionally well as a substitute for the B dominant seventh chord when resolving to either E major or E minor, or it can serve as a stepping stone through other chords before arriving at its resolution.

Harmonizing with the B Add 4th Chord

When tuning your guitar to play this specific chord, you can achieve a rich and resonant sound. Tune the 3rd string down a half step, the 4th string down 3 half steps, the 5th string up 2 half steps, and the 6th string down 5 half steps. This results in the following tuning: B B B F B E (low to high), with unison Bs on the 4th and 5th strings.

In this specialized tuning, several interesting chords can be played quite easily. A wide-voiced B5 chord can be played using a single finger on the second fret of the first string, and various Hindu scales can be produced by a sitar. An E5 chord can be easily played using a barre on the fifth fret across the lower four strings.

Applications in Music

This unique B add 4th chord finds its application in the popular song "Spirit of Radio" by the Canadian rock band Rush. Here, the chord serves as a powerful tool for enhancing the overall harmony of the piece. For musicians working within the key of E major, the B add 4th chord offers a multitude of options for chord progression.

To illustrate this, consider the following chord chart:

E (root): 079900 IV (A add 9): 577600 V (B add 11): 799800

Other chords within the key of E major include:

Fm11: 2x2200 E/G: 4x2400 or 4x4400 Cm7: 9x9900 B add 11/D: 11x9 11 00 Another E add 9: 0 11 9 11 00 - These shapes move around: 042400 (A add 9) or 002400, 064600, or 097900

Many of these chords keep the E, B, and E strings open and move other notes around. For example, variations of the E major chords can include:

E major: 022100 F minor: 044200 G major: 066400 A major: 077600 B major: 099800 C major: 0 11 11 9 00

Exploring Chord Progressions

To fully grasp the harmonic potential of the B add 4th chord, it's essential to experiment with different chord progressions. Start by looking for groups of notes on the 3/4 strings and harmonize with the 3/4/5 strings. Try out Em chords and see how different shapes and chord voicings can move around with the top 2 strings open. These explorations will provide an insight into how this concept works effectively in various musical contexts.

For instance, altering the chords can open up numerous new ideas. An Emaj7 shape (079800) can significantly expand the possibilities for musical expression, and similarly, variations like 9x9800 and beyond can further enhance the versatility of your playing.

Conclusion

The B major chord with an added 4th is a versatile and enriching addition to any guitarist's repertoire. Its unique tuning and harmonic potential make it an invaluable tool for producing evocative and engaging musical compositions. Whether used as a substitute for dominant seventh chords or as a stepping stone in chord progressions, the B add 4th chord offers a wealth of musical possibilities waiting to be discovered.