The B minor (Bm) chord is a staple for guitarists, popping up in countless songs across genres. If you’re learning guitar, mastering the Bm chord is essential. It might seem a bit tricky at first, especially the barre chord versions, but with practice, you’ll have it down in no time. This guide will walk you through why the Bm chord is so important, explore songs that use it, and teach you three different ways to play it, from beginner-friendly to the more common barre chord forms.
Why Learn the Bm Chord?
The Bm chord isn’t just another chord to add to your repertoire; it’s a fundamental building block in guitar playing. Its importance stems from its frequent appearance in common keys and its widespread use in popular music.
Common Keys in Guitar Music
If you’re playing songs in the keys of D major or G major, you’re highly likely to encounter the Bm chord. These keys are incredibly popular in guitar music across various genres. Understanding how to play Bm opens up a vast library of songs for you to learn and play. Chord progressions in D and G often utilize the Bm as the vi chord, creating rich and dynamic harmonic movement.
Bm Chord in Popular Songs Across Genres
The Bm chord isn’t confined to a single genre; it’s a versatile chord that appears in rock, pop, country, and beyond. Its minor tonality adds depth and emotion to songs, making it a favorite among songwriters. Let’s explore some examples to see just how prevalent the Bm chord is in popular music.
Rock Anthems and Bm
From classic rock to modern hits, the Bm chord resonates powerfully in rock music. Listen for it in iconic rock songs like Warrant’s “Heaven”, a quintessential 80s glam metal ballad. Or dive into the 90s power ballad era with Tesla’s “Love Song”.
Going further back, Elvis Presley’s “Burning Love” also features the Bm chord, showcasing its versatility across rock subgenres. Even punk-ska finds a place for Bm, as heard in Rancid’s energetic track “Time Bomb”.
Country Classics and Contemporary Country
The Bm chord is just as at home in country music, adding a touch of melancholy or reflection. George Strait’s Grammy-nominated hit “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” is a prime example of a country classic using Bm. Willie Nelson’s timeless “Always on My Mind” another chart-topper, heavily relies on the emotional depth of the Bm chord.
For a more contemporary country sound, check out “Never Come Back Again” by Austin Plaine, where the Bm chord adds a modern touch to the genre.
Pop Sensations and Bm
Pop music, known for its catchy melodies and relatable themes, also frequently incorporates the Bm chord. Travel back to the beach vibes of The Beach Boys’ “California Girls” or the feel-good classic “Daydream Believer” by The Monkees, and you’ll hear the Bm chord fitting perfectly.
Contemporary pop examples include Plain White T’s’ catchy “1,2,3,4” and Tom Odell’s soulful “Another Love”, demonstrating the Bm chord’s enduring appeal in modern pop.
The Beginner-Friendly Version of Bm Chord
If barre chords feel intimidating right now, don’t worry! There’s a simplified version of the Bm chord that’s perfect for beginners. This version allows you to play a Bm chord without needing to barre across multiple strings.
Here’s how to play the beginner 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.
Strumming: Strum only the top three strings (G, B, and high E strings). Avoid strumming the D, A, and low E strings for this version.
This three-finger version is a great starting point for learning the Bm chord. It allows you to get the feel of the chord and use it in simple songs while building up the finger strength for barre chords.
The Most Common Bm Barre Chord Version
The most frequently used Bm chord is a barre chord. Barre chords might seem challenging initially, but they are essential for expanding your chord vocabulary and playing songs in various keys. This Bm barre chord is based on the Am chord shape, moved up the neck.
Here’s how to play the standard Bm barre chord (2nd position):
- Index finger: Barre across all strings from the A (5th) string to the high E (1st) string at the 2nd fret. Ensure each string is pressed down cleanly by your index finger.
- 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.
Strumming: Strum from the A string down to the high E string (five strings in total). You should avoid playing the low E string in this voicing to maintain a clear Bm chord sound.
This barre chord version is the one most guitarists think of when referring to the Bm chord. It’s crucial to master this shape as it’s incredibly versatile and transferable to other minor barre chords.
Tips for Barre Chords:
- Muting the Low E String: To avoid accidentally strumming the low E string, slightly angle your index finger so that the tip of your index finger gently touches the low E string, muting it. This allows you to strum more freely without worrying about unwanted bass notes.
- Practice and Finger Strength: Barre chords require finger strength and wrist flexibility. Don’t be discouraged if you hear buzzing sounds initially. Consistent practice will build your finger strength and improve your technique, leading to cleaner and clearer sounding chords.
Alternative Bm Barre Chord (7th Position)
Having different voicings of the same chord can add variety to your playing. Here’s another barre chord version of Bm, played higher up the neck in the 7th position. This version can be physically easier to play for some because the frets are closer together higher up the neck.
Here’s how to play the alternative Bm barre chord (7th position):
- Index finger: Barre across all strings from the low E (6th) string to the high E (1st) string 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.
Strumming: Strum all six strings for this version.
Benefit of this Version: The 7th fret position often feels less strenuous for barre chords because the strings are closer together, requiring less finger pressure. This can be a good alternative if you find the 2nd fret barre chord tiring during longer playing sessions.
Conclusion
The Bm chord is a fundamental chord in guitar playing, essential for playing a vast range of songs across various genres. Whether you start with the beginner-friendly version or dive straight into the barre chords, mastering the Bm chord is a worthwhile endeavor. Take your time, practice regularly, and soon you’ll be playing Bm confidently and incorporating it into your favorite songs.
To expand your chord knowledge further, explore resources like Fender Play’s chord library for more chord types and tips on mastering them. And if you’re looking for structured lessons and personalized guidance, consider signing up for a free Fender Play trial!
