The B minor (Bm) chord is notorious among guitar students. It’s often cited as one of the most challenging chords for beginners, and let’s be honest, it can be a real roadblock. If you’re finding the standard Bm chord a struggle, you’re definitely not alone!
In this lesson, we’re going to break down the Bm chord and explore some Easier Bm Chord Guitar options. We’ll cover:
- How to play the standard Bm chord (so you understand the challenge)
- The best easier bm chord guitar variations for beginners
- A super simple 2-finger version of Bm that anyone can play
If you’re looking for practical ways to make the Bm chord accessible, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in and make playing guitar more enjoyable!
Why is the Standard Bm Chord So Difficult?
The reason the standard Bm chord is so tricky lies in its barre chord construction. A barre chord requires you to use your index finger to press down multiple strings at once, acting as a ‘barre’.
Here’s what the standard Bm chord looks like:
Bm Chord (Standard Barre Chord)
(If chord diagrams are new to you, check out our guide on “How To Read Guitar Chordboxes In 60 Seconds”. It’s a quick read and will make understanding chord charts a breeze.)
Bm Guitar Chord Diagram
As you can see, this form of Bm requires significant finger strength and dexterity. It’s generally considered an intermediate-level chord because playing it cleanly and quickly takes practice to develop the necessary barre technique.
Quick Tip: Before tackling any guitar chords, especially barre chords, make sure your guitar is properly tuned. A reliable tuner like the Snark ST-8 can be a game-changer. It easily clips onto your guitar headstock and tunes by vibration, ensuring accuracy in any environment.
For beginners, jumping straight into this barre chord version of Bm can be frustrating. Thankfully, there are easier bm chord guitar options that sound great and are much more accessible. Let’s explore them!
Easier Bm Chord Guitar Options for Beginners
Many resources suggest a simplified Bm chord that avoids the full barre. It looks like this:
Bm Chord (No Barre Version)
Bm Guitar Chord No Barre Diagram
While technically easier bm chord guitar than the full barre version, in my experience, beginner students still find this chord shape challenging. The finger placement can be a bit cramped, and it still requires a certain level of finger independence. That’s why I prefer to recommend an even simpler alternative.
My Go-To Easier Bm Chord: Bm7
My favorite easier bm chord guitar variation is the Bm7 chord. It’s a close relative of the Bm chord, sounds fantastic, and is significantly easier to fret.
Bm7 Chord
Bm Guitar Chord Diagram
The Bm7 chord still uses three fingers, but the beauty of this shape is that all the fingers are positioned at the same fret (2nd fret). This makes it much simpler to memorize and execute. Most beginners can learn to play this easier bm chord guitar version cleanly and consistently within a few weeks of practice.
The Super-Simple 2-Finger Bm Chord
If even the Bm7 feels a bit too complex initially, there’s an even more basic easier bm chord guitar option: the 2-finger Bm.
Bm Chord (2-Finger Version)
2 Finger Bm Guitar Chord Diagram
This 2-finger version is incredibly simple and is often the most accessible easier bm chord guitar for absolute beginners. While it doesn’t sound exactly like a full Bm or Bm7 (it’s a more simplified sound), it still contains the essential B root note and works well in many beginner songs. It’s a fantastic starting point to get your fingers used to chord shapes.
Important: String Skipping for All Bm Versions
No matter which easier bm chord guitar version you choose, there’s a crucial technique to keep in mind: avoid strumming the 6th string. (If you’re unsure about string numbers, check out this lesson: “How To Skip Strings While Strumming”).
The root note of the Bm chord is the B note on the 5th string. To get a clear and proper Bm sound, you want to emphasize this root note and avoid the lower, potentially muddy sound of the 6th string.
Skipping the 6th string when strumming might seem challenging at first. Don’t worry if you find it difficult initially – that’s perfectly normal! The key is to focus on strumming and not get bogged down in trying to be perfect right away. It’s far more important to keep strumming and develop a rhythm.
With repetition, your strumming accuracy will improve quickly. Don’t fall into the trap of “analysis paralysis” – trying to get everything perfect before you even start. Just strum!
“Shouldn’t I Just Learn the ‘Correct’ Bm Chord from the Start?”
I often hear beginners say they want to learn the standard Bm barre chord right away. While admirable, it’s often counterproductive in the early stages.
Think of it this way: Our long-term goal is for you to play the standard Bm chord cleanly, including skipping the 6th string. But that’s a significant challenge for beginners. Trying to master it too soon can slow down your overall progress and lead to frustration.
In the short term, the most important thing is to get comfortable holding chords and strumming your guitar. By starting with easier bm chord guitar variations, you build finger strength, coordination, and musicality. As you progress, transitioning to the full barre chord Bm (and other barre chords) will become exponentially easier.
Are There Other Bm Chord Variations?
Absolutely! There are many other ways to play Bm chords up the neck. However, most of these are even more complex than the standard barre chord and are definitely not suitable for beginners. Let’s focus on mastering these easier bm chord guitar options first!
If you’re still finding the Bm chord challenging, stick with the super-easy 2-finger version and keep practicing. Consistent practice, even in short bursts, is the key to unlocking any chord. You’ll get there!
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