Estimated reading time 3 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Do you have a tough time playing the B minor guitar chord? Are you frustrated and need some help? B minor is one of the most awkward guitar chords to play. However, there are some tricks that can help you master it. Keep reading How to Play the Frustrating B Minor Guitar Chord to learn how to best play the three most popular versions.
This article uses musical terms. For definitions, see the Glossary at the end of the post.
The B Minor Guitar Chord #1: How Do Chord Frames Work?
Hand Icon (churien.deviantart.com/art/hand-template-blank-272630198) by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0). Modified by Geoffrey Keith.
What is a chord frame? Basically, a chord frame is a picture of how the notes of a triad look on the guitar:
- The vertical lines represent the strings with the fattest string all the way to the left and the thinnest string all the way to the right.
- The horizontal lines represent the frets. However, the dark line at the top is the nut with fret 1 being the line below it, then fret 2 being the next lower line, etc.
- The white circles indicate open strings with the X indicating a muted (silent) string.
- The dark circles are the fingered notes.
- The numbers below the chord frame tell you what fingers to use (see the hand icon for the finger numbers).
The B Minor Guitar Chord #2: Moveable A Minor Form
One of the most popular versions of the B minor chord for the guitar is built from the open A minor:
- Compare Am and Bm and you’ll see that they have a somewhat similar shape.
- On Am, exchange the 1 finger for the 2 finger, the 3 finger for the 4 finger, and the 2 finger for the 3 finger.
- Slide all your fingers two frets closer to the guitar’s bridge and press your first (pointer) finger down across the five thinnest strings at the second fret. This is called a barre.
- Touch your pointer finger (#1) to the fattest string to keep it from sounding.
- Strum the strings. You have just played Bm.
This moveable minor chord it based on the open Am and can be moved to any fret because of the barre.
Video: Learn “Kryptonite”
The B Minor Guitar Chord #3: The Easiest Bm
As useful as the moveable A minor form is, many people find it difficult to play:
- In particular, women can find it tough to hold down a barre on the acoustic guitar. If you experience this issue, try playing on an electric guitar.
- An alternate version that is often grouped with the open chords is the second of the two Bm versions above.
- Notice how similar they look. The second Bm eliminates the barre, making it the easiest version of Bm to play.
Song (click to view the lead sheet): Train in Vain
- Substitute the easier version of Bm for the version used at this link.
- The F#m uses the moveable E minor form (shown in the next section).
- If you don’t know the song, search for it on YouTube, so that you can get the melody in your ear.
The B Minor Guitar Chord #4: Moveable E Minor Form
The final Bm (of the popular versions) is based on open Em:
- Compare Em and Bm and you’ll see that they have a similar shape.
- On Em, exchange the 2 finger for the 3 finger and the 3 finger for the 4 finger.
- Slide your fingers all the way up to the ninth fret and press your first (pointer) finger down across all the strings at the seventh fret.
- Strum the strings to play Bm.
- This moveable chord is based on the open Em and can be moved to any fret because of the barre.
If you’re comfortable playing three note moveable powers chords, the moveable E minor form will feel like an extension of the power chord.
Final Thoughts
Takeaway points:
- Moveable chords can be moved to any fret because of the barre.
- However, it can be tough to execute barres on the acoustic guitar. If you have an issue, try playing on an electric guitar.
- The easiest version of Bm eliminates the barre, making it by far the simplest to play.
Have fun strumming!
Related Posts
- How to Play the Beginner Guitar F Triad Without a Barre
- What Are the Best Easy Guitar Harmonies for Beginners to Learn?
- D’you Want Some Music Tips and Tricks I’ve Learned Over the Years?
© 2024 Geoffrey Keith
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