The B minor chord, often seen as “Bm” in chord charts and tabs, is a fundamental chord for any guitarist. Understanding and being able to play the Bm Guitar chord opens up a vast repertoire of songs and expands your musical horizons. This guide will explore why the Bm chord is so crucial, delve into popular songs that use it, and provide step-by-step instructions for playing three essential versions, from beginner-friendly to standard barre chords.
Why the Bm Chord is Essential for Guitarists
The Bm chord isn’t just another chord to learn; it’s a cornerstone of guitar music. Its prominence stems from its frequent appearance in chord progressions within the keys of D major and G major. These two keys are exceptionally common in guitar-based music across numerous genres. If you’re playing songs in D or G, chances are you’ll encounter the bm guitar chord. Mastering it is key to smoothly navigating countless songs and expanding your chord vocabulary.
Popular Songs Featuring the Bm Chord
The versatility of the B minor chord is evident in its widespread use across genres. From rock anthems to country classics and pop hits, the bm guitar chord adds depth and emotion to countless songs. Let’s explore some examples:
Rock Anthems with Bm
Dive into the world of rock and you’ll quickly discover the bm guitar chord. Iconic rock songs utilize this chord to create powerful and memorable melodies. Listen closely for it in:
- Warrant – “Heaven” – A classic glam metal ballad from the 80s.
- Tesla – “Love Song” – A quintessential power ballad of the 90s.
- Elvis Presley – “Burning Love” – A rock and roll staple with a fiery energy.
- Rancid – “Time Bomb” – A punk-ska anthem with infectious energy.
Country Classics and Bm
The bm guitar chord also resonates deeply within country music. Its melancholic yet rich tone lends itself perfectly to the storytelling and emotional depth found in country classics. Hear it in:
- George Strait – “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” – A Grammy-nominated country hit.
- Willie Nelson – “Always on My Mind” – A timeless chart-topper showcasing emotional depth.
- Austin Plaine – “Never Come Back Again” – A more contemporary country tune with a modern feel.
Pop Hits and the Bm Chord
Even in the bright and catchy world of pop music, the bm guitar chord finds its place. It adds a touch of sophistication and harmonic interest to pop progressions. Examples include:
- The Beach Boys – “California Girls” – A quintessential beach anthem with sunny vibes.
- The Monkees – “Daydream Believer” – A pop classic with a dreamy and nostalgic feel.
- Plain White T’s – “1,2,3,4” – A modern pop-punk hit with catchy melodies.
- Tom Odell – “Another Love” – A contemporary pop ballad with emotional resonance.
Easy Bm Chord for Beginners
For guitarists just starting their journey, the standard barre chord version of bm guitar can seem daunting. Thankfully, there’s a simplified version that’s much easier to grasp and play. This beginner-friendly Bm chord eliminates the barre, allowing you to focus on finger placement and strumming.
Here’s how to play the beginner version of the 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). This version is perfect for learning the sound of the bm guitar chord and practicing chord changes without the difficulty of a barre.
The Standard Bm Barre Chord
The most common and versatile way to play the bm guitar chord is using a barre. While it requires more finger strength and coordination initially, mastering the Bm barre chord unlocks its full potential and allows you to play it anywhere on the neck.
This version is based on the A minor barre chord shape, moved up two frets. If you know the Am barre chord, you’re already halfway there!
Here’s how to play the standard Bm barre chord:
- Index finger: Barre across all strings (except the low E string) at the 2nd fret. Ensure all strings are pressed down cleanly.
- 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 from the A string downwards (five strings total), avoiding the low E string. A common challenge with this bm guitar chord is accidentally playing the low E string or not muting it properly. To mute the low E string, slightly angle your index finger so that the tip gently touches the low E string, preventing it from ringing out.
Initially, you might experience buzzing or muted strings. This is normal! Consistent practice will build your finger strength and wrist flexibility, leading to a clear and resonant bm guitar chord.
Alternative Bm Barre Chord (7th Position)
Having options is always beneficial. Another useful barre chord version of the bm guitar chord is played 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.
Here’s how to play the alternative Bm barre chord in the 7th position:
- Index finger: Barre across all strings 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 for this version. The higher position on the neck means the frets are closer together, often requiring less pressure to fret the strings cleanly, making this bm guitar chord variation physically easier for some players.
Conclusion
The bm guitar chord is an indispensable tool in any guitarist’s arsenal. From beginner-friendly versions to powerful barre chords, mastering the B minor chord unlocks a wealth of musical possibilities. Whether you aspire to play rock anthems, country ballads, pop hits, or explore other genres, dedicating time to learning and practicing the bm guitar chord is a worthwhile investment in your guitar-playing journey.
To further expand your chord knowledge, explore Fender Play’s extensive chord library and discover tips for mastering various chord types. Ready to take your guitar skills to the next level? Sign up for a free Fender Play trial today!
