The B Minor scale, also known as the Natural B Minor scale, is a fundamental seven-note scale for guitarists. Understanding and mastering it unlocks a world of musical expression, from melancholic melodies to powerful riffs. This comprehensive guide will take you through everything you need to know about the B Minor scale, including fretboard diagrams, music theory, scale shapes, and practical tips for guitar players.
Understanding the B Minor Scale
The B Minor scale is built upon the root note B and follows a specific pattern of whole and half steps, defining its characteristic minor sound. Let’s break down the structure:
- Notes: B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A
- Intervals: Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole (represented as W-H-W-W-H-W-W)
- Formula: 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7
This formula means the B Minor scale uses the 1st, 2nd, flattened 3rd, 4th, 5th, flattened 6th, and flattened 7th degrees of the B Major scale. This flattened 3rd, 6th, and 7th are what give the minor scale its sad or darker quality compared to major scales.
B Minor Scale in Two Octaves
Here’s the B Minor scale pattern extending across two octaves. The darker circles in the diagram highlight the root notes (B), making it easy to visualize the scale’s structure on the fretboard. The first B root note in this pattern is located on the 7th fret of the 6th string (E string).
Exploring B Minor Scale Shapes and Positions
To effectively play the B Minor scale across the entire guitar neck, it’s crucial to learn different shapes or positions. These shapes are movable patterns, allowing you to play the scale starting from various points on the fretboard. Below are five essential shapes for the B Minor scale, along with suggested fingerings to help you navigate them smoothly.
B Minor Scale Shape 1 (6th Position)
Shape 1, often referred to as the 6th position shape, is a foundational pattern for the B Minor scale. It starts around the 6th fret and provides a comfortable entry point for learning the scale.
B Minor Scale Shape 2 (9th Position)
Moving up the neck, Shape 2 in the 9th position expands your reach and connects seamlessly to Shape 1. Learning to transition between shapes is key to playing fluid scale runs.
B Minor Scale Shape 3 (11th Position)
Shape 3, positioned around the 11th fret, continues to build upon the previous shapes, allowing you to access higher notes of the B Minor scale.
B Minor Scale Shape 4 (2nd Position)
Shape 4, located in the 2nd position, brings the B Minor scale down the neck, providing access to lower registers and connecting back towards the open position.
B Minor Scale Shape 5 (4th Position)
Shape 5, in the 4th position, acts as a bridge between the lower and middle neck positions, offering versatility and linking back to Shape 1.
B Minor Scale Full Fretboard Diagram
For a complete overview, here’s the B Minor scale mapped out across the entire guitar fretboard. This diagram illustrates how all the shapes connect and provides a holistic view of the scale’s possibilities.
Music Theory Deep Dive: B Minor Scale
Understanding the music theory behind the B Minor scale enhances your playing and improvisational skills. Let’s delve deeper into its notes, intervals, and related concepts.
Notes and Intervals in Detail
Here’s a breakdown of the notes in the B Minor scale, along with their corresponding intervals and scale degrees:
| Formula | Notes | Intervals | Degrees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | Unison | Tonic |
| 2 | C# | Major second | Supertonic |
| b3 | D | Minor third | Mediant |
| 4 | E | Perfect fourth | Subdominant |
| 5 | F# | Perfect fifth | Dominant |
| b6 | G | Minor sixth | Submediant |
| b7 | A | Minor seventh | Subtonic |
The interval formula (Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole) translates to the specific note intervals within the B Minor scale:
| Notes (Ascending) | Interval |
|---|---|
| B – C# | Major 2nd (M2) |
| B – D | Minor 3rd (m3) |
| B – E | Perfect 4th (P4) |
| B – F# | Perfect 5th (P5) |
| B – G | Minor 6th (m6) |
| B – A | Minor 7th (m7) |
| Notes (Descending) | Interval |
|---|---|
| B – A | Major 2nd (M2) |
| B – G | Major 3rd (M3) |
| B – F# | Perfect 4th (P4) |
| B – E | Perfect 5th (P5) |
| B – D | Major 6th (M6) |
| B – C# | Minor 7th (m7) |
(Abbreviations: M = Major, m = Minor, P = Perfect)
Relative Major and Aeolian Mode
The B Minor scale shares the same notes as the D Major scale, making D Major its relative major. This means they have the same key signature (two sharps: F# and C#). The B Minor scale is also identical to the B Aeolian mode, which is the 6th mode of the Major scale.
Chords in the Key of B Minor
Understanding the chords that harmonize with the B Minor scale is essential for songwriting and improvisation. Here are the diatonic chords built from the B Minor scale:
- i: Bm, Bm7, Bm9, Bm11
- ii°: C#dim, C#m7b5
- III: D, Dmaj7, D6, D6/9, Dmaj9, Dmaj13
- iv: Em, Em7, Em6, Em9, Em11, Em13
- v: F#m, F#m7
- VI: G, Gmaj7, G6, G6/9, Gmaj9
- VII: A, A7, A6, A9, A11, A13
The lowercase Roman numerals indicate minor or diminished chords, while uppercase numerals indicate major chords. The Bm chord is the tonic triad in the key of B minor, and Bm7 is the tonic 7th chord.
Practice and Jam Along!
Now that you’ve explored the theory and shapes of the B Minor scale, it’s time to put it into practice! Start by playing through each shape slowly, focusing on accuracy and smooth transitions. Once you’re comfortable with the shapes, try improvising over a backing track in B minor to develop your ear and musicality.
Listen to a B Minor scale jam track (Normal Tempo)
Listen to a B Minor scale jam track (Slow Tempo)
B Minor scale first shape ascending. (Tablature and fingerings provided in original article)
By mastering the B Minor scale, you’ll significantly expand your guitar playing vocabulary and unlock new creative possibilities in your music. Keep practicing and exploring!
