The B Minor Guitar Chord, often abbreviated as Bm, is a foundational chord for guitarists across genres. Understanding and playing the Bm chord opens up a vast repertoire of songs and expands your understanding of music theory. This guide will delve into why the Bm chord is crucial, explore popular songs that utilize it, and provide step-by-step instructions for mastering three essential versions, from beginner-friendly to standard barre chords.
Why is the B Minor Chord Important?
The B minor chord is a cornerstone of guitar playing primarily due to its frequent appearance in common key signatures. If you’re playing songs in the keys of D major and G major, you’ll encounter the Bm chord regularly. These keys are incredibly popular in guitar music across various styles, making the Bm chord an indispensable tool in your chord vocabulary.
Think of learning chords as building blocks for songs. Mastering the Bm chord is like adding a crucial piece to your musical LEGO set, allowing you to construct and play countless songs you love. Ignoring the Bm chord would be like trying to bake a cake without flour – essential ingredients are missing!
Songs You Know That Use the B Minor Chord
The B minor chord isn’t some obscure, rarely used chord. It’s a workhorse chord featured in hit songs across decades and genres. From rock anthems to country classics and pop chart-toppers, the Bm chord is surprisingly prevalent. Let’s explore some examples:
Rock Anthems and Classics
Rock music frequently employs minor chords for emotional depth and intensity, and Bm is no exception. You can hear the B minor chord driving powerful rock songs like:
- “Heaven” by Warrant: This glam metal ballad uses the Bm to create its signature soaring and emotional feel.
- “Love Song” by Tesla: A quintessential power ballad, “Love Song” relies on the Bm chord for its melancholic yet strong progression.
- “Burning Love” by Elvis Presley: Even the King of Rock and Roll utilized the Bm chord in this energetic hit.
- “Time Bomb” by Rancid: Punk rock and ska also embrace the Bm, as heard in this high-energy track.
- “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers: A modern rock staple, this song uses Bm in its iconic chord progression.
Country Hits
Country music, known for its storytelling and emotional resonance, also finds a valuable tool in the B minor chord:
- “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” by George Strait: This Grammy-nominated country classic incorporates the Bm chord into its memorable melody.
- “Always on My Mind” by Willie Nelson: A timeless country ballad, “Always on My Mind” features the Bm chord prominently, contributing to its heartfelt sentiment.
- “Never Come Back Again” by Austin Plaine: For a more contemporary country sound, this song showcases the Bm in a modern context.
- “Hurt” by Johnny Cash (Nine Inch Nails Cover): While originally a Nine Inch Nails song, Johnny Cash’s rendition, deeply rooted in country, powerfully uses the Bm to amplify the song’s sorrowful mood.
Pop Sensations
Pop music, often characterized by catchy melodies and relatable themes, also utilizes the B minor chord to add depth and complexity:
- “California Girls” by The Beach Boys: Surprisingly, even this upbeat beach anthem uses the Bm chord, showcasing its versatility.
- “Daydream Believer” by The Monkees: This classic pop tune incorporates the Bm chord within its cheerful and nostalgic soundscape.
- “1,2,3,4” by Plain White T’s: A modern pop-rock hit, this song uses the Bm chord in its simple yet effective progression.
- “Another Love” by Tom Odell: This contemporary pop ballad relies on the Bm chord to enhance its emotional intensity.
- “Someone Like You” by Adele: A global pop phenomenon, Adele’s “Someone Like You” features the Bm chord, contributing to its poignant and moving quality.
The Beginner-Friendly Bm Chord
For guitarists just starting their journey, barre chords can seem daunting. Thankfully, there’s a simplified version of the B minor chord that avoids barring and is perfect for beginners. This version focuses on the higher strings and is easier to finger:
Finger Placement:
- Index finger: 2nd fret of the high E (1st) string
- Middle finger: 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string
- Ring finger: 4th fret of the G (3rd) string
Strum only the top three strings (G, B, and high E strings) downwards. Avoid strumming the thicker strings.
This three-finger Bm chord is an excellent starting point for learning the sound and feel of the B minor chord without the challenge of a barre.
The Standard Bm Barre Chord
The most common and versatile way to play the B minor chord is using a barre chord. This version requires your index finger to press down multiple strings at once, creating a “barre.” While it might take practice to master, this shape is essential for any guitarist.
Finger Placement (2nd Position Barre Chord):
- Index finger: Barre across all strings except the low E string at the 2nd fret. Ensure all strings from A to high E are pressed down cleanly.
- Middle finger: 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string
- Ring finger: 4th fret of the G (3rd) string
- Pinky finger: 4th fret of the D (4th) string
Strum downwards from the A string (5th string), avoiding the low E string (6th string). Muting the low E string is crucial for this chord to sound correct. You can achieve this by slightly touching the low E string with the tip of your index finger as you barre.
If you are 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 a clean barre and muting the low E string. Practice and finger strength will improve your clarity and reduce buzzing.
Alternative Bm Barre Chord (7th Position)
Having alternative chord voicings is always beneficial. Another barre chord version of the B minor chord exists higher up the neck in the 7th position. This voicing offers a slightly different tonal color and can be physically easier to play for some.
Finger Placement (7th Position Barre Chord):
- Index finger: Barre across all six strings at the 7th fret.
- Ring finger: 9th fret of the A (5th) string
- Pinky finger: 9th fret of the D (4th) string
Strum all six strings. The higher fret position means the frets are closer together, often requiring less finger pressure to fret cleanly, which many players find more comfortable.
Conclusion
The B minor chord is a vital chord to learn for any aspiring guitarist. While it might present initial challenges, mastering its various forms will significantly expand your musical capabilities. From the beginner-friendly version to the standard and alternative barre chords, each offers a pathway to incorporating this essential chord into your playing.
Whether you’re drawn to rock, country, pop, or any other genre, the Bm chord will prove to be a valuable asset. Dedicate time to practicing these positions, and you’ll soon find yourself confidently playing countless songs and unlocking new musical horizons.
To further enhance your chord knowledge, explore Fender Play’s extensive chord library and discover more tips and tricks for mastering guitar chords. Happy playing!
