Chords › B minor
B Minor Chord on Guitar
- Bm
- B · D · F♯
- Barre at fret 2
A-shape barre. Roll your index finger slightly onto its side; the bony edge presses the strings more evenly than the soft middle.
Easy Bm, four strings. Play only the top four strings, with no barre. It still sounds like B minor and is the usual first step before the full barre.
B minor, written Bm, is the first barre chord for most guitarists. There is no full open shape, so beginners often start with a four-string version.
How to play Bm, finger by finger
- Lay your index finger flat across strings 5 to 1 at the 2nd fret.
- Put your middle finger on string 2 at the 3rd fret.
- Put your ring finger on string 4 at the 4th fret.
- Put your pinky finger on string 3 at the 4th fret.
- Strum from string 5 down to string 1, and don't play string 6.
Easy Bm for beginners
Play only the top four strings, with no barre. It still sounds like B minor and is the usual first step before the full barre.
More ways to play Bm
Notes in B minor
| Note | Interval | Role |
|---|---|---|
| B | 1 | root |
| D | ♭3 | minor third |
| F♯ | 5 | fifth |
Formula: 1 – ♭3 – 5
Questions about Bm
What is the easiest way to play Bm?
Play the four-string version: strings 4 to 1 at frets 4, 4, 3 and 2, with no barre. Move to the full shape once your index finger is stronger.
What can I play instead of Bm?
The four-string Bm is the closest. In a pinch, D (xx0232) shares two of its three notes and works in many songs in D or G.
Why does my Bm buzz?
Usually the index finger is not pressing the 1st string, or a string sits under the crease of a knuckle. Move the finger slightly up or down the fret and press with its edge.
Related chords
Often played with Bm
Other minor chords