The B minor chord, often abbreviated as “Bm,” is a fundamental chord for guitarists. Its importance stems from its frequent appearance in popular key signatures and countless songs across genres. Understanding and mastering the Bm chord will significantly expand your musical vocabulary and allow you to play a wider range of songs. This guide will explore why the Bm chord is essential, demonstrate multiple ways to play it, and highlight songs where you can hear it in action.
Why is the Bm Chord So Important?
The Bm chord isn’t just another chord to learn; it’s a cornerstone of guitar playing, particularly when you venture into the keys of D major and G major. These keys are incredibly common in popular music, meaning the Bm chord will appear frequently in chord progressions within these keys. If you want to play songs in D or G, knowing the Bm chord is non-negotiable.
Beyond its theoretical importance, the Bm chord is incredibly prevalent in a vast range of musical styles. From classic rock anthems to contemporary pop hits, and everything in between, the Bm chord is a versatile tool in any guitarist’s arsenal.
Songs That Feature the Bm Chord
To truly appreciate the Bm chord’s ubiquity, let’s explore some well-known songs across different genres that prominently feature it. Hearing the chord in context can be incredibly motivating and educational.
Rock Anthems and Bm
Rock music is rife with examples of the Bm chord. Consider the soaring melodies of 80s glam metal with Warrant’s hit “Heaven”, or the power ballad era of the 90s with Tesla’s emotional “Love Song”. Even venturing back to early rock and roll, you’ll find the Bm chord driving Elvis Presley’s energetic “Burning Love”. For a punk-ska twist, listen to Rancid’s energetic track “Time Bomb”. These examples demonstrate the Bm chord’s power in creating diverse rock sounds.
Country Classics and Contemporary Bm
Country music also embraces the Bm chord. George Strait’s Grammy-nominated classic “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” showcases its use in traditional country. Willie Nelson’s timeless ballad “Always on My Mind” further exemplifies the chord’s emotional depth in country music. For a more modern country sound, explore Austin Plaine’s “Never Come Back Again”, illustrating the Bm chord’s continued relevance in contemporary country.
Pop Sensations and Bm
Pop music, known for its catchy chord progressions, frequently employs the Bm chord. Travel back to the sunny sounds of The Beach Boys’ “California Girls” or the feel-good vibes of The Monkees’ “Daydream Believer” to hear it in classic pop songs. In modern pop, Plain White T’s’ catchy “1,2,3,4” and Tom Odell’s soulful “Another Love” demonstrate the Bm chord’s enduring appeal in contemporary popular music.
The Beginner-Friendly Bm Chord Shape
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 version still captures the essence of the Bm chord and allows you to start using it in your playing right away.
Here’s how to form the beginner Bm chord:
- Index finger: Place on the 2nd fret of the high E string (1st string).
- Middle finger: Place on the 3rd fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Ring finger: Place on the 4th fret of the G string (3rd string).
When strumming this version, focus on strumming downstrokes across the top three strings (G, B, and high E strings). This beginner-friendly Bm chord provides a solid foundation for understanding the chord’s sound and function.
The Most Common Bm Barre Chord Shape
The most frequently used version of the Bm chord is a barre chord. Unlike some minor chords like Em or Am, Bm doesn’t utilize open strings in its standard barre form. A barre chord involves using your index finger to press down multiple strings at once, acting as a “barre” across the fretboard.
This Bm barre chord is based on the Am chord shape, moved up the neck. If you’re familiar with the Am chord, you’ll recognize the shape. The challenge with this version lies in mastering the barre and ensuring each string rings out clearly.
Here’s how to play the most common Bm barre chord in the 2nd position:
- Index finger: Barre across all strings from the A string (5th string) to the high E string (1st string) at the 2nd fret. Ensure all strings under the barre are pressed firmly.
- Middle finger: Place on the 3rd fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Ring finger: Place on the 4th fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Pinky finger: Place on the 4th fret of the D string (4th string).
Strum downwards across five strings, from the A string down to the high E string. A key to playing this barre chord cleanly is to slightly mute the low E string with the tip of your index finger. This ensures only the desired notes of the Bm chord ring out. Initially, you might encounter buzzing as you develop finger strength and barre technique. Consistent practice will resolve this, leading to a clear and resonant Bm barre chord.
Alternative Bm Barre Chord Shape
Having a second barre chord voicing for Bm is beneficial for tonal variety and practical playing situations. This alternative Bm barre chord is played higher up the neck in the 7th position. Many guitarists find barre chords easier to play higher up the neck because the frets are closer together, requiring less finger stretch and pressure.
Here’s the 7th position Bm barre chord:
- Index finger: Barre across all strings from the low E string (6th string) to the high E string (1st string) at the 7th fret.
- Ring finger: Place on the 9th fret of the A string (5th string).
- Pinky finger: Place on the 9th fret of the D string (4th string).
Strum all six strings for this fuller sounding Bm chord. The 7th position Bm barre chord offers a brighter tone compared to the 2nd position version. Experimenting with both voicings will expand your sonic palette and provide options for different musical contexts.
Conclusion: Embrace the Bm Chord
The B minor chord, while potentially challenging initially, is an indispensable chord for any aspiring guitarist. Its widespread use across musical genres and its crucial role in common key signatures make it a worthwhile investment of your practice time. Whether you start with the beginner-friendly version or dive straight into the barre chords, mastering the Bm chord will unlock a vast array of songs and musical possibilities.
To further expand your chord knowledge, explore resources like Fender Play’s chord library to discover more chord types and techniques. Consistent practice and dedication will solidify your Bm chord skills and propel you further on your guitar playing journey. If you’re not already a Fender Play member, consider signing up for a free trial to access a wealth of lessons and resources to enhance your guitar playing.
