The Bm7 chord, or B minor 7, introduces a distinctive and somewhat bright flavor to your guitar playing. Building upon the foundation of the B minor chord, the Bm7 adds a 7th interval, creating a richer, more nuanced sound that resonates in various genres from rock to pop. If you’re looking to expand your chord vocabulary and add a touch of sophistication to your music, the Bm7 Guitar chord is an excellent choice.
In this lesson, we’ll explore two essential ways to play the Bm7 chord on your guitar, delve into the music theory that makes it tick, and highlight popular songs where you can hear this chord in action. Ready to unlock the potential of the Bm7? Let’s dive in.
Understanding the Construction of the Bm7 Chord
Before we get our fingers on the fretboard, let’s understand what notes make up a Bm7 chord. Like all seventh chords, the Bm7 is built upon a four-note structure. These notes are:
- B (Root)
- D (Minor Third)
- F# (Perfect Fifth)
- A (Minor Seventh)
The Bm7 chord formula takes the framework of a standard B minor chord (B, D, F#) and adds the minor 7th interval (A). This addition is what gives the Bm7 its characteristic sound – a blend of minor tonality with an added layer of complexity and a slightly more uplifting feel compared to a simple B minor. In musical terms, the Bm7 chord consists of the root, a minor third, a perfect fifth, and a minor seventh. Play these four notes together, and you’re playing a Bm7 chord.
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Playing the Bm7 Chord in Open Position (Version 1)
The first way we’ll learn to play the Bm7 guitar chord is in the open position. “Open position” refers to chord voicings that utilize open strings, meaning some strings ring out without being fretted. This version of the Bm7 is a great starting point and provides a bright, resonant sound.
Here’s how to finger the open position Bm7 chord in standard tuning:
- Index finger: 2nd fret of the A (5th) string
- Middle finger: 2nd fret of the G (3rd) string
- Ring finger: 2nd fret of the high E (1st) string
When strumming, aim for 5 strings down from the A string, carefully avoiding the low E string. The open D (4th) and B (2nd) strings are crucial for the chord’s voicing, so ensure they ring clearly. This open position Bm7 can be a little fiddly at first. Focus on fretting the notes cleanly to avoid accidentally muting adjacent strings that should be ringing openly. With a little practice, you’ll achieve a crisp and clear Bm7 sound.
Playing the Bm7 Chord in 2nd Position (Version 2)
Another common and versatile way to play the Bm7 guitar chord is in the 2nd position. Unlike the open position, the 2nd position Bm7 is a barre chord, meaning no open strings are used. The lowest note in this voicing starts on the 2nd fret. Barre chords offer mobility and allow you to play the same chord shape in different positions on the neck.
To play the 2nd position Bm7 chord:
- Index finger: Barre across the 2nd fret of the A (5th), G (3rd), and high E (1st) strings.
- Middle finger: 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string
- Ring finger: 4th fret of the D (4th) string
Strum downwards across 5 strings, from the A string down, omitting the low E string. This 2nd position Bm7 provides a fuller, slightly warmer tone compared to the open position and is excellent for chord progressions that move up and down the guitar neck. Mastering this barre chord shape opens up a world of possibilities.
Songs That Feature the Bm7 Chord
The Bm7 chord’s bright yet melancholic character makes it suitable for a wide range of musical styles. Here are a few examples of songs where you can hear and play the Bm7 guitar chord:
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“Frosty the Snowman” by Gene Autry: This classic holiday tune, recorded in 1950, showcases the Bm7 in its bridge section. Gene Autry’s country style often incorporated these kinds of jangly, nuanced chords, and the Bm7 adds a touch of sweetness to the festive melody.
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“Chrissie Hynde” by Butch Walker: In this 2014 song, Butch Walker pays homage to The Pretenders’ iconic lead singer. He skillfully weaves the open position Bm7 chord into the chorus. The song’s blend of nostalgia and admiration highlights another facet of the Bm7 chord, showcasing its ability to evoke longing and reflection.
By listening to these songs, you can start to recognize the sound of the Bm7 in context and understand how it contributes to the overall feel of the music. Try playing along with these tracks to practice your Bm7 chord changes!
Expand Your Chord Knowledge with Fender Play
Learning guitar chords is a fundamental step in your musical journey. Chords are not just collections of notes; they are the building blocks of songs and provide a deeper understanding of harmony. To explore more chords and expand your musical vocabulary, check out Fender Play’s comprehensive chord library. Once you’re comfortable with the Bm7, experiment with incorporating it into your own playing and songwriting. Discover countless songs and lessons to further your guitar skills with a free trial of Fender Play today and unlock your full potential as a guitarist.
