Bm Chord on Guitar: How To Play the B Minor chord

B m position 1 guitar chord diagram

Welcome to our tutorial on the B minor (B m) chord. This chord, belonging to the Minor Chords family, is composed of the notes B, D, and F#. The intervals that construct this chord are the 1 (Root), b3 (Minor Third), and 5 (Perfect Fifth). Understanding these intervals is key to mastering the B m chord and many others.

Learning to play the B m chord involves understanding the notation of chords based on the intervals that compose them. This will help you understand how chords are constructed and how to play them on the guitar.

Our tutorial will guide you through chord diagrams and fretboard patterns that show the tones composing the B m chord. This will help you visualize the chord structure on the fretboard, making it easier to learn and play. For a deeper understanding of how chords are built by stacking intervals, you may also want to check out our tutorial on guitar music theory.

Remember, mastering the B m chord is not just about learning one chord. It's about understanding the underlying music theory that will allow you to play many other chords and progressions. So, let's get started on your journey to becoming a better guitarist!

Notes that compose the B m chord:

BDF#

Chord Structure:

1
b2
2
b3
3
4
b5
5
#5
6
b7
7

The B Minor Chord | Full Tutorial

The B minor chord, commonly abbreviated as "Bm" in tablature and sheet music, is a fundamental chord in the guitar world.

Its significance lies in its versatility and frequent appearance in various music genres.

Understanding and mastering the Bm chord is crucial for guitarists, particularly because it is a staple in many chord progressions, especially in the keys of G, A and D - three of the most commonly used keys in guitar music.

Playing The B Minor Chord

Easy Version

For newcomers, a three-finger version of Bm is recommended:

  • Ring finger on the 4th fret of the G (3rd) string
  • Middle finger on the 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string
  • Index finger on the 2nd fret of the E (1st) string
  • Strum from the G string down, focusing on the top three strings.
B minor guitar chord easy version

Common Version (Barre Chord)

The more prevalent version of Bm is a barre chord.

Transitioning from simpler versions to the full barre chord is a journey.

Start by mastering the positioning and pressure required for barring, then integrate the other fingers.

  • Index finger across the 2nd fret (excluding the low E string)
  • Middle finger on the 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string
  • Ring finger on the 4th fret of the D (4th) string
  • Pinky finger on the 4th fret of the G (3rd) string
  • Strum from the A string down, ensuring to mute the low E string.
B minor guitar chord common version

Barre Version in 7th Position

Another barred version, easier due to closer frets, is played in the 7th position:

  • Index finger barring the 7th fret (from the low E to the high E string)
  • Ring finger on the 9th fret of the A (5th) string
  • Pinky finger on the 9th fret of the D (4th) string
B minor guitar chord full barre version

Songs With The B Minor Chord

In rock music, the Bm chord has made its mark. Classic examples include Warrant's "Heaven" and Tesla's "Love Song."

These tracks showcase the chord's versatility and its role in defining the sound of rock ballads.

Hotel California begins with a B minor chord and probably is the most popular song in this key.

Also Money by Pink Floyd and Fade to Black by Metallica are in this key.

Country music also embraces Bm. Hits like "All My Ex's Live in Texas" by George Strait and "Always on My Mind" by Willie Nelson heavily feature the Bm, demonstrating its emotional depth in country storytelling.

B Minor Key | Chord Chart

Here below are the chords of the keys of B minor, in which our Bm chord is the root of the key.

Key i ii III iv v VI VII
B Bm C# dim D Em F#m G A

Common Keys With The B Minor Chord

Here below you find the most used keys that contain the B minor chord.

G Major Key

In the key of G major, the B minor chord is the 3rd degree, so it has the function of Mediant.

Key I ii iii IV V vi vii
G G Am Bm C D Em F# dim

A Major Key

In the key of A major, the B minor chord is the Supertonic (2nd degree)

Key I ii iii IV V vi vii
A A Bm C#m D E F#m G# dim

D Major Key

In the key of D major, you find the B minor chord on the 6th degree, also called Submediant, or relative minor. In fact, the relative minor key of D major is B minor.

Key I ii iii IV V vi vii
D D Em F#m G A Bm C# dim

That''s all, to learn more about guitar chords, check my complete ebook Chords Domination | Play Any Chord You Want Across All The Fretboard.

B Minor Guitar Chord Shapes

Chord boxes are sorted from the easiest to the hardest. Learn how to read chord diagrams.

If you have difficulties with bar chord shapes, check the Bar Chords Tips tutorial.

You can also use this accessible chords page with written diagrams instruction.

Position 1
Open

B m position 13 guitar chord diagram

Position 2
Open

B m position 12 guitar chord diagram

Position 3
Movable

B m position 10 guitar chord diagram

Position 4
Movable

B m position 3 guitar chord diagram

Position 5
Movable

B m position 4 guitar chord diagram

Position 6
Movable

B m position 5 guitar chord diagram

Position 7
Movable

B m position 6 guitar chord diagram

Position 8
BarreMovable

B m position 9 guitar chord diagram

Position 9
BarreMovable

B m position 14 guitar chord diagram

Position 10
BarreMovable

B m position 1 guitar chord diagram

Position 11
BarreMovable

B m position 7 guitar chord diagram

Position 12
BarreMovable

B m position 8 guitar chord diagram

Position 13
BarreMovable

B m position 2 guitar chord diagram

download this tutorial in pdfYou can find more shapes in our all guitar chords online library. If you prefer a printable pdf, download the Free Guitar Chords Chart Pdf

Play This Chord With Other Roots

C m | D m | E m | F m | G m | A m | B m | C#m | D#m | F#m | G#m | A#m | Abm | Bbm | Dbm | Ebm | Gbm

Bm Guitar Chord Fretboard Intervals

You can create any fingering you like across the whole fretboard, you have just to select some of the chord tones shown in the map below.

Some shapes will sound good, some less, let your ears decide!

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
5
1
b3
5
1
b3
5
1
b3
5
1
b3
1
b3
5
1
b3
5
1
b3
5
1
b3
5