How to Play the Bm Guitar Chord?

The Bm guitar chord, often known as the B minor chord, is a unique sound that many guitarists aim to master.
For beginners, this chord can seem a bit tricky. It’s like learning a new word in a language; at first, it might feel unfamiliar, but with practice, it becomes a natural part of your vocabulary.
The Bm chord has a rich tone that adds depth to songs, making it a favorite for many musicians.

However, the good news is, that there are different ways to play the Bm chord, some of which are simpler for those just starting their guitar journey. In this post, we are going to look at how you can learn this chord easily.

What is the Bm Guitar Chord?

The Bm guitar chord, commonly referred to as the B minor chord, is a foundational chord in the world of music. It carries a melancholic and deep sound, often used in songs to convey emotions like sadness or introspection. 

For many budding guitarists, encountering the Bm chord is like meeting a new friend. At first, it might seem a bit challenging to get to know, but over time, with regular interaction and practice, it becomes a familiar and essential part of one’s musical journey.

This chord holds a special place in various genres, from rock to pop, and even classical. Its versatility makes it a must-learn for anyone serious about playing the guitar. 

While it might seem daunting at first, with the right guidance and persistence, mastering the Bm chord becomes an achievable goal, paving the way for a richer musical experience.

Structure of the Bm Guitar Chord

At its core, the Bm chord is made up of three distinct notes: B, D, and F#. These notes come together to form what is known as a minor triad. 

Imagine these notes as the building blocks of the chord, each one contributing to its unique sound. The B note acts as the base or root, giving the chord its name and foundational tone.

When visualized on a guitar’s fretboard, the Bm chord has a specific shape and finger placement. In its standard form, it requires the guitarist to use a ‘barre’ technique, pressing down on multiple strings with one finger. 

This structure can be a bit challenging for beginners, but it’s this very arrangement of notes and the way they’re played that gives the Bm chord its characteristic sound. As guitarists progress, they’ll discover various ways to play this chord, each with its own structure and sound nuances.

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How to Play Bm Chord on Guitar?

Standard Bm Chord 

This form of the Bm chord is the traditional approach. It requires you to use a ‘barre’ technique, where your first finger presses down across multiple strings. 

This version is a bit on the advanced side and is often more suitable for those who have some experience, like intermediate players.

• Barre Technique: Place your first finger across all the strings on the second fret.
• Middle Finger: Position your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the B string.
• Ring Finger: Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the D string.
• Pinky Finger: Put your pinky on the 4th fret of the G string.
• Strum: Strum all the strings, ensuring each note rings out clearly.

Bm (No Barre) 

For those just starting out, the Bm (No Barre) version is often recommended. It’s a type of B minor chord that’s simpler than the standard barred Bm. 

However, some beginners might still find it a tad challenging, even though it’s designed to be more accessible.

• First Finger: Place your first finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string.
• Middle Finger: Position your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the B string.
• Ring Finger: Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the D string.
• Strum: Strum from the D string downwards, ensuring a clear sound.

Bm7 

The Bm7 is a variant of the Bm chord and is generally easier to play. What makes it stand out is its sound, which is quite pleasing to the ears. Many guitarists, both beginners and seasoned players, prefer this version.

A notable feature of the Bm7 is that all its notes are positioned on the same fret, which makes it easier to remember and play.

• First Finger: Place your first finger on the 2nd fret of the A string.
• Middle Finger: Position your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string.
• Ring Finger: Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string.
• Strum: Strum from the A string downwards, avoiding the low E string.

Super-Simple 2-Finger Bm

If you’re looking for the simplest version of the Bm chord, the Super-Simple 2-Finger Bm is the way to go. As the name suggests, you only need two fingers to play this chord. 

While it might not sound as closely related to the Bm as the Bm7 does, its ease of play makes it a popular choice, especially for those just starting their guitar journey.

• First Finger: Place your first finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string.
• Middle Finger: Position your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the B string.
• Strum: Strum the bottom three strings (G, B, and high E) to get the sound of this simplified Bm chord.

Tips for Playing the Bm Guitar Chord:

• When playing any version of the Bm chord, it’s essential not to play the 6th string. The first note you want to hear is the B note on the 5th string.
• Don’t get too hung up on skipping the 6th string initially. It’s more important to get comfortable strumming the guitar. With repetition, you’ll improve and perfect the chord.
• If you’re struggling with the standard Bm chord, start with the simpler versions. As you progress, you’ll find that mastering the Bm chord becomes exponentially easier.

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Conclusion:

We hope this guide helps you understand and play the Bm guitar chord with ease. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be playing this chord like a pro.

Let us know if you have any questions or queries.

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References:

1. Pallesen K. J. et al. Emotion processing of major, minor, and dissonant chords: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study //Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. – 2005. – Т. 1060. – №. 1. – С. 450-453.
2. Suzuki M. et al. Discrete cortical regions associated with the musical beauty of major and minor chords //Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience. – 2008. – Т. 8. – С. 126-131.
3. Bakker D. R., Martin F. H. Musical chords and emotion: Major and minor triads are processed for emotion //Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience. – 2015. – Т. 15. – С. 15-31.