The B minor chord, often abbreviated as “Bm” in guitar tabs and sheet music, is a foundational chord that every guitarist should learn. Its prevalence in popular music across genres makes it an indispensable tool in your guitar playing arsenal. This guide will explain why the Bm chord is so important, walk you through various ways to play it – from beginner-friendly versions to standard barre chord forms – and provide tips to help you master this essential chord.
Why the Bm Chord is Essential for Guitarists
The Bm chord isn’t just another chord to add to your repertoire; it’s a cornerstone of many chord progressions, particularly those in the keys of D and G. These keys are incredibly common in guitar music, making the Bm chord pop up frequently in countless songs. Understanding and being able to play the Bm chord opens up a vast landscape of musical possibilities and allows you to play along with a huge range of songs.
Songs That Feature the Bm Chord
The Bm chord’s popularity isn’t limited to specific genres; it’s a versatile chord found across the musical spectrum. From classic rock anthems to contemporary pop hits, the Bm chord’s presence is undeniable.
Rock Anthems and Bm
Dive into rock history, and you’ll find the B minor chord powering some of the genre’s biggest hits. For a taste of glam metal from the 80s, listen to “Heaven” by Warrant. In the 90s power ballad realm, Tesla’s “Love Song” prominently features this chord.
Even venturing further back, Elvis Presley’s iconic “Burning Love” incorporates the Bm. For a punk-ska vibe, Rancid’s energetic track “Time Bomb is another example where the B minor chord takes center stage.
Country Music and the Bm Chord
Country music, often associated with major chords, also embraces the B minor. George Strait’s Grammy-nominated hit “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” is a classic example. Willie Nelson’s timeless “Always on My Mind”, a chart-topping ballad, also leans heavily on the Bm chord.
For a more contemporary country sound, explore “Never Come Back Again” by Austin Plaine, showcasing the Bm chord in modern country songwriting.
Pop Sensations and Bm
Pop music, known for its catchy melodies and chord progressions, also frequently utilizes the B minor. Blast back to the beach days with The Beach Boys’ “California Girls” or enjoy the feel-good vibes of The Monkees’ “Daydream Believer”, both featuring the Bm. Contemporary pop examples include Plain White T’s catchy tune “1,2,3,4” and Tom Odell’s soulful hit “Another Love”.
The Beginner-Friendly Bm Chord Version
If the standard barre chord version of Bm seems daunting, especially for beginners, there’s an easier alternative that avoids barring. This simplified version is a great starting point to get the sound of a Bm chord under your fingers.
Here’s how to play the beginner Bm chord:
- Index finger: Place on the 2nd fret of the high E (1st) string.
- Middle finger: Place on the 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Ring finger: Place on the 4th fret of the G (3rd) string.
Strum only the top three strings (G, B, and high E strings) downwards. This three-finger version is an excellent entry point for playing the Bm chord and allows beginners to grasp the chord’s sound and feel.
The Most Common Bm Barre Chord Version
The most widely recognized and used version of the Bm chord is a barre chord. Unlike some minor chords like Em or Am that incorporate open strings, the Bm barre chord requires you to fret multiple strings with your index finger. This technique, known as a “barre chord,” is fundamental for expanding your chord vocabulary on the guitar.
Here’s how to play the standard Bm barre chord in the 2nd position:
- Index finger: Barre across all strings from the A (5th) string to the high E (1st) string at the 2nd fret. Ensure all strings under the barre ring clearly, except for the low E string which should be muted.
- Middle finger: Place on the 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Ring finger: Place on the 4th fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Pinky finger: Place on the 4th fret of the D (4th) string.
Strum downwards from the A string (5th string). This is the version most guitarists envision when they think of the B minor chord, making it a must-learn for any serious player.
If you’re familiar with the open position Am chord, you might notice a similarity in shape. The Bm barre chord in the 2nd position utilizes the same finger pattern as an Am chord, just shifted up two frets.
A common challenge with this version is muting the low E string (6th string) while ensuring the B note (root of the Bm chord) on the A string (5th string) rings clearly. To achieve this, slightly angle your index finger so that the tip of your index finger gently touches the low E string, just enough to mute it. This allows you to strum confidently without the unwanted sound of the low E string muddying the chord.
Initially, you might encounter buzzing as you learn this barre chord. This is normal and usually stems from insufficient pressure or incorrect finger placement. Consistent practice and building finger and wrist strength will resolve this issue over time.
Bm Barre Chord Variation in the 7th Position
Having multiple voicings for a chord is beneficial for adding sonic variety to your playing. Here’s another barre chord version of Bm, this time played higher up the neck in the 7th position.
Here’s how to play the Bm barre chord in the 7th position:
- Index finger: Barre across all strings from the low E (6th) string to the high E (1st) string at the 7th fret.
- Ring finger: Place on the 9th fret of the A (5th) string.
- Pinky finger: Place on the 9th fret of the D (4th) string.
Strum all six strings. The advantage of this 7th position barre chord is the reduced physical effort required to play it. Higher up the guitar neck, the frets are closer together, meaning you don’t need to apply as much pressure to fret the strings cleanly. This can make this version physically easier to play, especially during longer playing sessions.
Tips for Mastering the Bm Chord
The Bm chord, particularly the barre chord versions, can present initial challenges, but with consistent practice, it will become second nature. Here are some tips to help you master the Bm chord:
- Start with the beginner version: Build finger strength and familiarity with the Bm sound before tackling barre chords.
- Practice barre chords in short bursts: Barre chords can be tiring initially. Practice them in short intervals and gradually increase duration as your hand strength improves.
- Focus on clean fretting: Ensure each string rings out clearly. Adjust your finger pressure and placement until you achieve a buzz-free sound.
- Practice chord transitions: Practice switching between Bm and other common chords like G, D, and Em to integrate Bm into your playing smoothly.
- Use songs: Learn songs that use the Bm chord. Playing in a musical context makes practice more engaging and effective.
Conclusion
The Bm chord is a vital chord for any guitarist, regardless of your preferred genre. From the beginner-friendly version to the standard and higher position barre chords, understanding and mastering these forms will significantly expand your musical vocabulary and enable you to play a vast number of songs. Dedicate time to practice, be patient with yourself, and soon the Bm chord will be a comfortable and essential part of your guitar playing.
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