The Bm7 Guitar Chord, or B minor 7, adds a unique and slightly upbeat flavor compared to a standard B minor. This chord, rich with character, pops up across genres, from rock to pop, adding a touch of sophistication to your guitar playing.
In this guide, we’ll explore two essential ways to play the Bm7 chord on your guitar. We’ll also delve into the music theory behind it and highlight some popular songs where you can hear and play this versatile chord. Ready to enrich your chord vocabulary? Let’s dive in.
Understanding the Bm7 Chord: Notes and Construction
Before we get our fingers on the fretboard, let’s understand what makes up the Bm7 chord. It’s composed of four distinct notes:
- B (Root)
- D (Minor Third)
- F# (Perfect Fifth)
- A (Minor Seventh)
If you’re familiar with chord formulas, you’ll know that minor chords are built with a specific interval pattern. Seventh chords, like the Bm7, extend this by adding a minor 7th interval to the minor chord structure. This addition is what transforms the sometimes somber B minor into the more intriguing and brighter Bm7 chord.
In terms of intervals from the root (B), the Bm7 chord consists of a root, a minor third, a perfect fifth, and a minor seventh. Playing these notes together – B, D, F#, and A – creates the distinct sound of the Bm7 chord.
Playing the Bm7 Chord: Open Position (Version 1)
Our first method for playing the Bm7 chord is in the open position. “Open position” chords incorporate open strings, meaning some strings ring out without being fretted. This version, played in standard tuning, offers a bright and resonant Bm7 sound.
Here’s how to finger the open position Bm7 chord:
- Index finger: Press down on the 2nd fret of the A string (5th string).
- Middle finger: Press down on the 2nd fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Ring finger: Press down on the 2nd fret of the high E string (1st string).
Strum downwards across the top five strings, from the A string (5th string) down to the high E string (1st string), avoiding the low E string (6th string).
This open position Bm7 can be a little challenging initially, as you need to ensure the open D (4th) and B (2nd) strings ring clearly. Focus on fretting the notes cleanly with your index, middle, and ring fingers to avoid accidentally muting adjacent strings that should be ringing openly. Practice slowly, and you’ll soon achieve a crisp and clear Bm7 chord in this position.
Playing the Bm7 Chord: 2nd Position (Version 2)
Our second approach to the Bm7 chord is in the 2nd position. Unlike the open position, this version doesn’t utilize any open strings. The lowest note in this voicing starts on the 2nd fret.
This Bm7 chord in the 2nd position employs a barre chord technique. You’ll use your index finger to “barre” across the 2nd fret of five strings. Barre chords are fundamental for guitarists, allowing you to play various chords up and down the neck.
To play the 2nd position Bm7 chord:
- Index finger: Barre across the 2nd fret, pressing down on the A string (5th string), G string (3rd string), and high E string (1st string).
- Middle finger: Place on the 3rd fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Ring finger: Place on the 4th fret of the D string (4th string).
Strum down five strings, from the A string (5th string) to the high E string (1st string), again omitting the low E string (6th string). This 2nd position Bm7 offers a different tonal color and is useful when you need to play chord progressions higher up the neck.
Songs That Feature the Bm7 Chord
The Bm7’s distinctive, cheerful yet slightly melancholic quality makes it suitable for diverse musical contexts. Let’s explore a couple of songs that beautifully use the Bm7 chord:
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“Frosty the Snowman” by Gene Autry: This classic holiday tune, recorded in 1950, showcases the Bm7 chord in its bridge. Gene Autry, a country artist, was known for his use of bright, ringing chords, and the Bm7 fits perfectly within the cheerful, whimsical narrative of a snowman coming to life. Listen for the Bm7 to add a touch of holiday magic.
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“Chrissie Hynde” by Butch Walker: Switching to a more contemporary example, Butch Walker’s 2014 song “Chrissie Hynde,” an ode to The Pretenders’ iconic lead singer, incorporates the open position Bm7 chord in its chorus. This nostalgic and longing track demonstrates another facet of the Bm7 chord, revealing its ability to evoke emotion in a pop-rock setting.
Exploring these songs will help you hear the Bm7 chord in context and inspire you to use it in your own playing. Services like Fender Play offer interactive lessons for these and many other songs, allowing you to learn chords and songs simultaneously.
Continue Your Chord Journey with Guitar Lessons
Mastering guitar chords is a cornerstone of guitar playing. Chords are not just collections of notes; they are the building blocks of songs and musical expression. Understanding how chords are constructed and learning various voicings expands your musical toolkit and opens doors to countless songs.
To further your chord knowledge, explore resources like Fender Play’s chord library, which provides a vast collection of chords with finger diagrams and sound samples. Once you’re comfortable with the Bm7 chord, try incorporating it into your favorite songs and chord progressions. Start your free trial with Fender Play today to access a wealth of guitar lessons and song tutorials and continue your musical journey.
