The B Minor scale is a fundamental scale for guitarists of all levels. Often referred to as the natural minor scale or the Aeolian mode, it’s a seven-note scale that evokes a melancholic and introspective mood. Understanding and mastering the B Minor scale is crucial for improvisation, songwriting, and deepening your overall guitar knowledge. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about the B Minor scale on guitar, including its notes, patterns, shapes, and how to effectively use it in your playing.
What is the B Minor Scale?
The B Minor scale is characterized by its specific interval pattern: Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole (W-H-W-W-H-W-W). This pattern, when starting on the root note B, creates the B Minor scale. It’s considered a diatonic scale, meaning it forms the basis for many minor key melodies and harmonies. Interestingly, the B Minor scale shares the same notes as the D Major scale, making them relative major and minor scales respectively. Another key point to remember is that the B Minor scale is identical to the B Aeolian mode, one of the seven modes derived from the Major scale.
B Minor Scale Notes and Formula
The B Minor scale consists of the following seven notes:
B – C# – D – E – F# – G – A
These notes can also be understood through their scale degrees and intervals relative to the root note (B):
| Degree | Interval | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Tonic (Unison) | B |
| 2nd | Major Second | C# |
| b3rd | Minor Third | D |
| 4th | Perfect Fourth | E |
| 5th | Perfect Fifth | F# |
| b6th | Minor Sixth | G |
| b7th | Minor Seventh | A |
The formula in semitones or steps on the guitar fretboard is 2 – 1 – 2 – 2 – 1 – 2 – 2. This formula is consistent across the entire guitar neck, allowing you to play the B Minor scale in any position.
B Minor Scale Guitar Diagrams
Visualizing the B Minor scale on the guitar fretboard is essential for learning its patterns. Here are some helpful diagrams:
B Minor Scale 2 Octaves
This diagram shows a common two-octave pattern for the B Minor scale, starting on the 7th fret of the 6th string.
B Minor Scale Full Fretboard
The full fretboard diagram illustrates the B Minor scale across the entire neck of the guitar, providing a comprehensive view of all possible note locations.
Alt: B Minor Scale Full Fretboard Diagram: Visual representation of the B minor scale notes across the entire guitar neck, highlighting root notes for guitarists.
B Minor Scale with Note Names
This diagram displays the B Minor scale with the corresponding note names within the pattern, aiding in note recognition and fretboard navigation.
B Minor Scale Guitar Shapes
Breaking down the B Minor scale into smaller, manageable shapes makes it easier to learn and apply. Here are the five common shapes (CAGED system based) for the B Minor scale:
Shape 1 (6th Position)
This shape, often referred to as the first position, is located around the 6th fret.
Alt: B Minor Scale Shape 1 Guitar Diagram: Box shape pattern for B minor scale in 6th position with fingerings for guitar practice.
Shape 2 (9th Position)
Shape 2 is positioned higher up the neck, around the 9th fret.
Shape 3 (11th Position)
Located around the 11th fret, Shape 3 provides another useful pattern for playing the B Minor scale.
Alt: B Minor Scale Shape 3 Guitar Diagram: Guitar fretboard diagram showing B minor scale shape 3 in the 11th position with suggested fingerings.
Shape 4 (2nd Position)
Shape 4 is found lower on the neck, around the 2nd fret.
Shape 5 (4th Position)
Shape 5 is positioned around the 4th fret and completes the set of five essential shapes.
Alt: B Minor Scale Shape 5 Guitar Diagram: Guitar shape diagram for B minor scale, shape 5, in the 4th position with finger suggestions.
Playing in B Minor
Understanding the B Minor scale opens doors to playing and creating music in minor keys. Here are some chords that are harmonically related to the B Minor scale and commonly used in B minor progressions:
- Bm, Bm7, Bm9, Bm11 (Tonic Minor Chords)
- C#dim, C#m7b5 (ii° chord)
- D, Dmaj7, D6, D6/9, Dmaj9, Dmaj13 (III chord – Major)
- Em, Em7, Em6, Em9, Em11, Em13 (iv chord – minor)
- F#m, F#m7 (v chord – minor)
- G, Gmaj7, G6, G6/9, Gmaj9 (VI chord – Major)
- A, A7, A6, A9, A11, A13 (VII chord – Major)
Practicing the B Minor scale with backing tracks in B minor is an excellent way to internalize the sound and feel of the scale. Explore “B Minor scale jam tracks” to find resources for improvising and developing your musical ear.
Conclusion
The B Minor scale is a cornerstone of guitar playing. By learning its notes, shapes, and harmonic context, you’ll expand your musical vocabulary and unlock new creative possibilities on the guitar. Start practicing these shapes and diagrams today, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering the melancholic beauty of the B Minor scale.
