The B minor chord, often seen as “Bm” in chord charts and tabs, is a vital chord for any guitarist to learn. It’s a frequently used chord that unlocks a vast repertoire of songs and is essential for understanding common chord progressions. This guide will break down why you need to know the Bm chord, explore popular songs that feature it, and teach you how to play it in different ways, from beginner-friendly versions to standard barre chord shapes.
Why is the Bm Chord Important?
The Bm chord is a cornerstone of guitar playing primarily because of its prevalence in keys like D major and G major, two very common keys in popular music. If you want to play songs in these keys, encountering the Bm chord is almost inevitable. Understanding and mastering this chord will significantly expand your ability to play a wide range of songs and musical styles.
Songs That Feature the Bm Chord
The B minor chord isn’t just theoretically important; it’s incredibly practical. You’ll find it across countless genres, proving its versatility and importance in music history and contemporary hits. From rock anthems to country ballads and pop melodies, the Bm chord is everywhere.
Rock Anthems and Bm
Dive into rock music and you’ll quickly discover the Bm chord. Classic rock hits and modern rock songs alike utilize its moody and powerful sound. Listen for the Bm chord in:
- “Heaven” by Warrant: This glam metal classic from the 80s showcases the Bm in a soaring, anthemic context.
- “Love Song” by Tesla: A 90s power ballad staple that heavily relies on the emotional depth of the Bm chord.
- “Burning Love” by Elvis Presley: Even the King of Rock and Roll incorporated the Bm into his energetic performances.
- “Time Bomb” by Rancid: This punk-ska anthem demonstrates the Bm’s use in faster, more upbeat tempos.
Country Music and the Bm Chord
Country music, known for its heartfelt storytelling, also embraces the B minor chord. Whether in traditional classics or contemporary country hits, the Bm adds a touch of melancholy or introspection. Examples include:
- “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” by George Strait: A Grammy-nominated country classic where the Bm contributes to the song’s narrative.
- “Always on My Mind” by Willie Nelson: Another chart-topping country song that prominently features the Bm chord’s emotional resonance.
- “Never Come Back Again” by Austin Plaine: A more recent country example showcasing the Bm in a modern context.
Pop Sensations and Bm
Pop music, with its diverse range of styles, also frequently utilizes the B minor chord. From feel-good beach tunes to introspective ballads, Bm adds depth and complexity. Hear the Bm chord in:
- “California Girls” by The Beach Boys: Even in sunny beach anthems, the Bm chord can add a touch of harmonic interest.
- “Daydream Believer” by The Monkees: A pop classic where the Bm contributes to the song’s memorable melody.
- “1,2,3,4” by Plain White T’s: A contemporary pop example where the Bm adds a slightly more melancholic feel to the otherwise upbeat song.
- “Another Love” by Tom Odell: This contemporary hit showcases the Bm in a piano-driven pop ballad.
The Beginner-Friendly Bm Chord
Before tackling the more common barre chord versions, let’s start with an easier Bm chord shape. This version is perfect for beginners as it avoids the barre technique, where one finger presses down multiple strings.
This simplified Bm chord is played as follows:
- Ring finger: 4th fret of the G (3rd) string
- Middle finger: 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string
- Index finger: 2nd fret of the E (1st) string
When strumming this version, focus on strumming down from the G string (3rd string) across the top three strings. This three-finger Bm chord is an excellent starting point for learning the chord and incorporating it into simpler songs.
The Standard Bm Barre Chord
The most common and essential way to play the Bm chord is using a barre chord. Unlike some other minor chords like Em or Am that utilize open strings, the Bm barre chord requires you to use your index finger to press down multiple strings across the fretboard. This technique, known as barring, is crucial for expanding your chord vocabulary and playing up and down the guitar neck.
Here’s how to play the standard Bm barre chord in the 2nd position:
- Index finger: Barre across all strings at the 2nd fret (except low E string). 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 down five strings, starting from the A string (5th string). This barre chord shape is the version most guitarists think of when discussing the Bm chord and is a must-know technique.
If you’re familiar with the open position Am chord, you’ll notice a similarity in the shape. The Bm barre chord is essentially the Am shape moved up two frets. The challenge with this version is ensuring a clear sound from all fretted strings and muting the low E string to maintain the correct Bm voicing.
Mastering the Barre: Muting the Low E String
To mute the low E string when playing the standard Bm barre chord, slightly angle your index finger so that the tip of your index finger gently touches the low E string. This slight touch will mute the string without requiring excessive pressure, allowing you to strum confidently without the unwanted sound of the low E.
When first learning this barre chord, you may encounter buzzing sounds. This is common and usually indicates that not all strings are being pressed down firmly enough. Consistent practice will build finger and wrist strength, leading to cleaner and clearer sounding barre chords.
Alternative Bm Barre Chord Shape
Having alternative chord voicings is always beneficial. Another useful Bm barre chord shape can be played higher up the neck in the 7th position. This version offers a slightly different tonal color and can be physically easier to play for some due to the closer fret spacing higher up the neck.
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: 9th fret of the A (5th) string
- Pinky finger: 9th fret of the D (4th) string
The advantage of this barre chord shape is that the frets are closer together in the higher positions of the neck. This reduced spacing can make it require less finger pressure to fret all the strings cleanly, potentially making it physically easier to play compared to the 2nd position barre chord for some players.
Conclusion: Embrace the Bm Chord
The B minor chord presents some initial challenges, particularly with barre chords, but it is an indispensable chord in your guitar-playing journey. Whether you’re drawn to pop, rock, country, blues, or folk music, mastering the Bm chord is a worthwhile investment of your practice time. It unlocks a vast musical landscape and allows you to play countless songs.
To expand your chord knowledge further, explore online guitar chord resources and consider utilizing interactive platforms like Fender Play for structured lessons and chord diagrams. With dedication and practice, the Bm chord will become a comfortable and valuable addition to your guitar playing skill set.
