The B minor 7th chord, often written as Bm7, brings a distinct, slightly brighter flavor compared to a standard B minor chord. This chord adds a 7th interval, injecting a unique character that you’ll recognize in countless rock and pop tunes. If you’re looking to expand your chord vocabulary and add a touch of sophistication to your guitar playing, the Bm7 is an excellent choice.
In this lesson, we’ll explore two practical ways to play the Bm7 chord on your guitar. We’ll break down the finger positions and even point you towards some well-known songs where you can hear this chord in action. Ready to enrich your musical palette? Let’s dive in and learn how to play the Bm7 chord.
Understanding the Notes of a Bm7 Chord
Before we place our fingers on the fretboard, let’s understand what notes make up a Bm7 chord. It’s composed of four distinct notes:
- B – The root note of the chord.
- D – The minor third interval from the root.
- F# – The perfect fifth interval from the root.
- A – The minor seventh interval from the root.
Guitar chords, especially seventh chords like Bm7, are built upon formulas. The Bm7 chord takes the foundation of a B minor chord and adds a minor 7th. This addition is crucial; it transforms the somewhat melancholic B minor into the more nuanced and melodically interesting Bm7. In terms of musical intervals, the Bm7 chord structure is: root (B), minor 3rd (D), perfect 5th (F#), and minor 7th (A).
Essentially, when you play these four notes together, you’re creating a Bm7 chord. Let’s see how to do that on the guitar.
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Bm7 Chord: Open Position (Version 1)
Our first method for playing the Bm7 chord utilizes the open position in standard tuning. Playing in the “open position” means we incorporate open strings, strings that ring out without being fretted. This can create a fuller, more resonant sound.
To play this open voicing of the Bm7 chord, position your fingers on the fretboard as follows:
- 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 five strings, starting from the A string (5th string), carefully avoiding the low E string (6th string). This open position Bm7 can be a little challenging initially. The key is to ensure the open D string (4th) and B string (2nd) ring clearly. Focus on fretting the notes cleanly, making sure you aren’t accidentally muting adjacent strings that need to vibrate freely. With a little practice, you’ll find this version delivers a beautifully crisp Bm7 sound.
Bm7 Chord: 2nd Position (Version 2)
Our second approach to playing the Bm7 chord is in the 2nd position. “2nd position” means we’ll be playing entirely on fretted notes, with no open strings involved. The lowest pitched note in this version will be on the 2nd fret of the guitar.
This Bm7 voicing also introduces the barre chord technique. A barre chord involves using one finger to press down multiple strings across a single fret, acting as a “barre.” In this case, your index finger will barre across the 2nd fret of five strings.
Here’s how to form the 2nd position Bm7 chord:
- Index finger: Barre across the 2nd fret of the A string (5th), G string (3rd), and high E string (1st).
- 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 downwards five strings from the A string (5th string), again omitting the low E string. Barre chords can require some finger strength and coordination initially, but with practice, they become a fundamental technique, unlocking a vast array of chord voicings up and down the guitar neck. This 2nd position Bm7 offers a different tonal color and is very useful for chord progressions that move up the neck.
Songs That Feature the Bm7 Chord
The Bm7 chord’s upbeat yet sophisticated character makes it versatile enough for various musical genres. Let’s explore a couple of songs that showcase the Bm7 chord in different contexts. Listen for its distinctive sound within these tracks and then try playing along!
For a classic example, listen to Gene Autry’s holiday favorite, “Frosty the Snowman”. Recorded in 1950, this timeless tune uses jangly chords characteristic of country music, fitting perfectly with the whimsical story of a snowman coming to life. You can clearly hear the Bm7 chord during the bridge section of the song, adding a touch of festive cheer.
Switching gears to a more contemporary example, check out Butch Walker’s song “Chrissie Hynde”, a tribute to The Pretenders’ iconic frontwoman. In this 2014 track, Walker cleverly incorporates the open position Bm7 chord we learned earlier within the chorus. The song, filled with nostalgia and a sense of longing, demonstrates another emotional dimension of the Bm7 chord, proving its versatility beyond just upbeat melodies.
These are just two examples, and you’ll find the Bm7 chord appearing in rock, pop, jazz, blues, and many other styles. Experiment and listen out for it in your favorite songs – you might be surprised how often it pops up!
Incorporating the Bm7 Chord into Your Guitar Playing
Mastering chords like the Bm7 is fundamental to becoming a well-rounded guitarist. Chords are not just collections of notes; they are the building blocks of songs and understanding how they work together is key to musical expression.
To truly integrate the Bm7 chord into your playing, practice transitioning smoothly between it and other common chords. Try creating simple chord progressions using Bm7 alongside chords like G, D, and A. Experiment with strumming patterns and fingerpicking styles to see how the Bm7 chord sounds in different musical contexts.
To expand your chord knowledge further, explore resources like Fender Play’s chord library for a comprehensive collection of guitar chords. Once you’re comfortable with the Bm7, challenge yourself to learn more minor 7th chords in different keys and positions.
Ready to take your guitar skills to the next level? Start experimenting with the Bm7 chord and discover the rich possibilities it unlocks in your musical journey. You can find more lessons and song tutorials by starting a free trial with Fender Play today.
