The B minor chord, often abbreviated as “Bm” in guitar tabs and sheet music, is a foundational chord for any guitarist. Understanding why and how to play the Bm chord will significantly expand your musical vocabulary and unlock a vast repertoire of songs. This guide will take you through the essential aspects of the Bm chord, from its importance in common keys to various ways to play it, including beginner-friendly options and standard barre chord forms.
Why Learn the Bm Chord?
The B minor chord is indispensable for guitarists primarily because of its frequent appearance in common musical keys, particularly D major and G major. These keys are extremely popular in guitar music across genres. In the key of D major, the B minor chord functions as the vi chord (minor 6th), providing a crucial minor contrast to the major tonality. Similarly, in G major, B minor acts as the iii chord (minor 3rd), adding harmonic depth and interest to chord progressions.
Knowing the Bm chord allows you to play countless songs in these keys and understand the underlying harmonic structure of countless progressions. Without it, you’ll find yourself limited in your ability to play a wide range of popular songs and effectively improvise or write your own music. Mastering the Bm chord opens doors to understanding more complex chord progressions and expanding your overall guitar skills.
Popular Songs Featuring the Bm Chord
The B minor chord isn’t just theoretically important; it’s a workhorse chord in popular music across many genres. Its melancholic yet versatile sound makes it a favorite in rock, pop, country, and beyond. Exploring songs that use the Bm chord is a great way to hear it in context and motivate your learning.
Rock Anthems and Ballads
Rock music, in particular, heavily utilizes the B minor chord. From classic rock staples to modern hits, Bm adds a touch of drama and emotion. Consider the iconic glam metal sound of Warrant’s “Heaven” or the powerful emotion in Tesla’s ballad “Love Song”. Even Elvis Presley’s rock and roll classic “Burning Love” incorporates the Bm chord. For a punk-ska energy, listen to Rancid’s “Time Bomb”. These examples demonstrate the breadth of rock music where the Bm chord plays a key role.
Country Classics and Modern Hits
Country music also finds significant use for the B minor chord. George Strait’s Grammy-nominated hit “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” showcases its application in a traditional country setting. Willie Nelson’s timeless “Always on My Mind” is another chart-topping example where Bm is prominently featured. For a more contemporary country sound, check out “Never Come Back Again” by Austin Plaine.
Pop Sensations Across Decades
Pop music, with its diverse soundscapes, also embraces the B minor chord. From the classic beach vibes of The Beach Boys’ “California Girls” to the catchy melodies of The Monkees’ “Daydream Believer”, Bm adds a touch of sophistication. Contemporary pop examples include the feel-good sound of Plain White T’s “1,2,3,4” and the emotive piano-driven hit “Another Love” by Tom Odell, demonstrating the chord’s continued relevance in modern pop.
Beginner-Friendly Bm Chord
For beginners, the standard barre chord version of Bm can be challenging. Thankfully, there’s an easier alternative that allows you to play the B minor chord without needing to barre across the fretboard. This version is perfect for getting started and building finger strength.
To play the beginner Bm chord:
- Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the E (1st) string.
Strum only the top three strings (G, B, and E strings downwards). This three-finger version is a great starting point for learning the B minor chord and allows you to play songs using Bm without the barre technique.
The Essential Bm Barre Chord (Most Common Version)
The most common and versatile way to play the B minor chord is as a barre chord. Unlike some minor chords like Em or Am, the B minor barre chord doesn’t utilize any open strings. This means you’ll need to use your index finger to “barre” or press down multiple strings at once.
Learning barre chords is a fundamental step in guitar playing, and mastering the Bm barre chord is a significant milestone. This version is movable up and down the neck, allowing you to play different minor chords with the same shape.
Here’s how to play the most common Bm barre chord in the 2nd position:
- Barre your index finger across all strings from the 2nd fret, except for the low E string (6th string). Ensure all strings from A (5th) string to high E (1st string) are pressed down cleanly by your index finger.
- Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the D (4th) string.
Strum downwards from the A string (5th string), avoiding the low E string. This is the quintessential B minor chord shape that most guitarists learn and recognize. If you are familiar with the open Am chord shape, you’ll notice the Bm barre chord shape is identical, just moved up two frets.
A common challenge with this barre chord is muting the low E string and ensuring the root note is the B on the 5th string. To mute the low E string, slightly angle your index finger so the tip gently touches the low E string, preventing it from ringing out. Practice is key to achieving a clean and buzz-free sound. Don’t be discouraged by initial buzzing; finger and wrist strength will develop over time with consistent practice.
Alternative Bm Barre Chord (7th Position)
Having alternative voicings of chords is always beneficial. Another useful Bm barre 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, as the frets are closer together higher up the neck.
To play the alternative Bm barre chord in the 7th position:
- Barre your index finger across all strings from the 7th fret, ensuring all strings from low E (6th) to high E (1st) are pressed down.
- Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the A (5th) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the D (4th) string.
Strum all six strings. This version is often considered physically easier to fret because the string tension is lower and the frets are closer together in this area of the guitar neck, requiring less finger pressure.
Conclusion: Embrace the Bm Chord on Your Guitar Journey
The B minor chord is a vital chord to learn for any guitarist. Whether you start with the beginner-friendly version or tackle the barre chords directly, mastering Bm will significantly enhance your playing. Its prevalence in rock, pop, country, and many other genres makes it an essential tool in your musical toolkit. Take the time to practice these different versions of the Bm chord, and you’ll find your guitar playing expanding in exciting new directions.
To further your chord knowledge, explore Fender Play’s chord library for more chord types and helpful tips on mastering them. And if you’re looking for structured lessons and guidance, sign up for a free Fender Play trial to continue your guitar learning journey.
