The B minor chord (Bm) is a fundamental chord for guitarists, and mastering it will significantly expand your musical horizons. Often abbreviated as “Bm” in chord charts and tabs, this chord is a staple in countless songs across various genres. This guide will break down why the Bm chord is essential, how to play it in multiple ways, and provide you with the knowledge to confidently incorporate it into your playing.
Why is the Bm Chord Important?
Understanding how to play the Bm chord is crucial because of its frequent appearance in common guitar keys, particularly D major and G major. Many chord progressions in these keys naturally include the B minor, making it indispensable for playing a vast range of songs. Learning Bm opens up access to a wider repertoire and allows you to play along with countless popular tunes.
Songs That Feature the Bm Chord
The Bm chord isn’t just theoretically important; it’s incredibly prevalent in music. From timeless rock anthems to contemporary pop hits and everything in between, you’ll find the Bm chord adding depth and emotion to songs you already know and love.
Rock Anthems and Bm
Dive into rock history and you’ll quickly discover the Bm chord. Think of the soaring melodies of Warrant’s 80s glam metal hit, “Heaven”, or the powerful emotions in Tesla’s 90s ballad, “Love Song”. Going further back, Elvis Presley’s iconic “Burning Love” also utilizes the Bm chord. Even punk and ska genres aren’t strangers to it, as heard in Rancid’s energetic track “Time Bomb.”
Country Classics and Bm
Country music also embraces the Bm chord. George Strait’s Grammy-nominated hit “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” and Willie Nelson’s deeply moving “Always on My Mind” both showcase the chord’s versatility. For a more modern country sound, listen to “Never Come Back Again” by Austin Plaine.
Pop Sensations and Bm
Pop music, known for its catchy melodies, also incorporates the Bm chord. The Beach Boys’ classic beach tune “California Girls” and The Monkees’ feel-good hit “Daydream Believer” are perfect examples. Contemporary pop songs like “1,2,3,4” by Plain White T’s and Tom Odell’s soulful “Another Love” further demonstrate the Bm chord’s enduring appeal in popular music.
The Beginner-Friendly Version of Bm
For those just starting their guitar journey, the standard barre chord Bm can be challenging. Thankfully, there’s a simplified version that’s much easier to grasp and doesn’t require a barre. This version is a fantastic starting point to get the sound of Bm under your fingers.
Here’s how to play the beginner Bm chord:
- Index Finger: Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string (1st string).
- Middle Finger: Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Ring Finger: Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the G string (3rd string).
When strumming this version, focus on strumming down from the G string (3rd string), encompassing the top three strings. This three-finger version allows beginners to play a Bm chord without the difficulty of a barre, making it an excellent stepping stone.
The Most Common Bm Barre Chord
The most widely recognized and used version of the Bm chord is a barre chord. Unlike minor chords like Em or Am which utilize open strings, the Bm barre chord requires you to fret multiple strings with your index finger. While it may seem daunting initially, mastering this version is essential for any guitarist.
Here’s how to play the 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 each string is pressed down cleanly.
- Middle Finger: Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Ring Finger: Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Pinky Finger: Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the D string (4th string).
Strum downwards from the A string (5th string) across the top five strings. A crucial aspect of playing this Bm barre chord is to ensure you mute the low E string (6th string). You can achieve this by slightly angling your index finger so that the tip of your index finger lightly touches the low E string, preventing it from ringing out. This ensures that the B note on the 5th string serves as the root of the chord.
If you are familiar with the Am chord shape in the open position, you’ll notice the Bm barre chord shares the same shape, just moved up two frets. Initially, you might encounter buzzing sounds as your fingers get accustomed to fretting all strings cleanly. Consistent practice will build your finger and wrist strength, resolving this issue and allowing you to play the chord smoothly.
Alternative Barre Chord Bm in the 7th Position
Having alternative voicings of chords is always beneficial. Another useful barre chord version of Bm can be played higher up the neck in the 7th position. This variation offers a slightly different tonal color and can sometimes be physically easier to play 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 six strings at the 7th fret.
- Ring Finger: Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the A string (5th string).
- Pinky Finger: Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the D string (4th string).
Strum all six strings for this version. The advantage of this 7th position Bm chord is that the frets are closer together, requiring less stretching and finger pressure, which many players find physically easier to manage, especially when transitioning quickly between chords.
Conclusion
The Bm chord, while presenting initial challenges, is an indispensable chord in your guitar-playing journey. Whether you’re drawn to pop, rock, country, blues, or folk music, dedicating time to mastering the Bm chord is a worthwhile investment. Explore each of these versions, practice diligently, and you’ll soon find the Bm chord becoming a natural part of your guitar vocabulary, opening up a world of musical possibilities.
To further expand your chord knowledge, explore Fender Play’s extensive chord library and discover more tips and tricks to master guitar chords. And if you’re ready to take your guitar playing to the next level, sign up for a free Fender Play trial!
