The B minor chord (often written as Bm) is a foundational chord for guitarists, appearing frequently across various musical genres. Understanding and mastering the Bm chord will significantly expand your playing capabilities and unlock access to countless songs. This guide will explain why the Bm chord is essential, demonstrate the most common ways to play it, and offer a beginner-friendly alternative to get you started.
Why is the Bm Chord So Important?
The Bm chord is a cornerstone of guitar music because it’s heavily used in chord progressions within the keys of D and G major. These keys are incredibly common in guitar-based music, making the Bm chord indispensable for playing a vast range of songs. If you want to play along with your favorite tunes or write your own music, learning the Bm chord is a crucial step.
Songs That Feature the Bm Chord
The Bm chord isn’t just theoretically important; it’s practically ubiquitous in popular music. Its melancholic yet powerful sound makes it a favorite in numerous genres, from hard rock anthems to gentle pop ballads. You’ll be surprised at how often you hear it once you start listening for it.
Iconic Rock Anthems
Rock music is rife with the B minor chord. Think about classic rock staples and you’ll likely find a Bm. For example, the soaring power ballad “Heaven” by Warrant uses the Bm chord to create its emotional impact. Similarly, “Love Song” by Tesla, another rock ballad, heavily features the Bm.
Even legends like Elvis Presley incorporated the Bm chord into rock and roll. Listen to “Burning Love” and you’ll hear it driving the song’s energy. For a different rock flavor, punk-ska band Rancid’s “Time Bomb” also utilizes the Bm chord, showcasing its versatility across rock subgenres.
Country Music Staples
Country music, known for its storytelling and emotional depth, also frequently employs the Bm chord. George Strait’s Grammy-nominated hit “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” is a prime example of the Bm chord in country. Willie Nelson’s timeless classic “Always on My Mind” is another chart-topping example where the Bm chord plays a significant role in the song’s harmonic structure.
For a more contemporary country sound, check out “Never Come Back Again” by Austin Plaine, where the Bm adds a touch of modern sensitivity to the genre.
Popular Pop Songs
Pop music, with its catchy melodies and relatable themes, also benefits from the emotive quality of the Bm chord. Beach Boys’ feel-good anthem “California Girls” and The Monkees’ dreamy hit “Daydream Believer” both feature the Bm chord, adding depth even to upbeat songs.
Contemporary pop examples include Plain White T’s’ catchy tune “1,2,3,4” and Tom Odell’s powerful ballad “Another Love”. These songs demonstrate the Bm chord’s enduring appeal in modern pop music.
The Beginner-Friendly Bm Chord
If the standard barre chord versions of Bm seem daunting, especially for beginners, there’s an easier way to start playing this essential chord. This simplified version eliminates the barre and uses fewer fingers, making it much more manageable for learners.
Here’s how to play the beginner Bm chord:
- Index Finger: Place on the 2nd fret of the 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 G string (3rd string).
When strumming this version, focus on strumming down only the top three strings (G, B, and high E strings). This three-finger version is an excellent starting point for beginners to familiarize themselves with the Bm chord sound and finger placement fundamentals.
The Most Common Bm Barre Chord Shape
The most frequently used version of the Bm chord is a barre chord. Barre chords might seem challenging initially, as they require using your index finger to press down multiple strings at once. However, mastering barre chords opens up a world of possibilities on the guitar, and the Bm barre chord is a key one to learn.
To play the common Bm barre chord in the 2nd position:
- Index Finger: Barre across all strings except the low E string at the 2nd fret. Ensure each string rings clearly.
- Middle Finger: Place on the 3rd fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Ring Finger: Place on the 4th fret of the A string (5th string).
- Pinky Finger: Place on the 4th fret of the D string (4th string).
Strum down from the A string (5th string), avoiding the low E string. This is the Bm chord shape that guitarists typically refer to, making it an essential technique to learn.
If you’re familiar with the open Am chord, you’ll notice the Bm barre chord shape is very similar. It’s essentially the Am shape moved up two frets. The main challenge with this version is ensuring the root note, B, is clearly played on the 5th string and that the low E string is muted.
To mute the low E string effectively, slightly angle your index finger so that the tip of your finger gently touches the low E string, preventing it from ringing out when you strum. Initially, you may encounter buzzing sounds as you develop finger strength and accuracy. Consistent practice will resolve this, leading to a clean and strong Bm barre chord.
Alternative Bm Barre Chord in the 7th Position
Having alternative chord voicings is always beneficial for guitarists. Another useful Bm barre chord is played higher up the neck in the 7th position. This version offers a slightly different tonal color and can sometimes be physically easier to play due to the closer fret spacing higher up the neck.
Here’s how to play the alternative Bm barre chord in the 7th position:
- Index Finger: Barre across all six strings at the 7th fret.
- Ring Finger: Place on the 9th fret of the A string (5th string).
- Pinky Finger: Place on the 9th fret of the D string (4th string).
Strum all six strings for this version. Many players find this 7th position barre chord physically easier to play than the 2nd position barre chord because the strings are closer together higher up the neck, requiring less finger pressure to fret cleanly.
Conclusion: Embrace the Bm Chord
The Bm chord might present some initial hurdles, especially for beginner guitarists tackling barre chords for the first time. However, it’s an indispensable chord on your guitar journey. Whether you’re drawn to pop, rock, country, blues, or folk music, mastering the Bm chord is a worthwhile investment of your practice time.
To expand your chord vocabulary further, explore comprehensive resources like Fender Play’s chord library to learn about various chord types and techniques for mastering them. And if you’re looking for structured guitar lessons, consider signing up for a free Fender Play trial to accelerate your learning and musical journey.
