All 5 ways to play Bm7 on guitar
-
x24232 at the 2nd fret -
x20202 open position -
xxx435 at the 3rd fret -
797777 at the 7th fret -
x-x-9-11-10-10 at the 9th fret
Diagrams: strings run from the lowest on the left; X = don't play, O = open string, numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger).
How to play Bm7 on guitar
Main shape: x24232 (at the 2nd fret).
- Lay your index finger (1) flat across the strings from the A (5th) to the high E (1st) string at the 2nd fret (a barre).
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 4th fret of the D (4th) string.
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Don't play the low E (6th) string (marked X).
- Strum from the A (5th) string down (5 strings).
Bm7 notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| B | 1 | root |
| D | ♭3 | minor 3rd |
| F♯ | 5 | perfect 5th |
| A | ♭7 | minor 7th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: Bm7/D (1st inversion), Bm7/F♯ (2nd inversion) and Bm7/A (3rd inversion).
Bm7 or BM7? A small "m" means minor: Bm7 is B minor 7th (B, D, F♯ and A). A capital "M", as in BM7, means major 7th: the same chord as Bmaj7.
Bm7 on piano and ukulele
-
Bm7 piano chord B – D – F♯ – A -
Bm7 on ukulele 2222
Which keys use Bm7?
Bm7 is one of the basic chords of 6 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| G major | Bm7 | iii7 | tonic or dominant |
| E minor | Bm7 | v7 | dominant |
| D major | Bm7 | vi7 | tonic |
| B minor | Bm7 | i7 | tonic |
| A major | Bm7 | ii7 | predominant |
| F♯ minor | Bm7 | iv7 | predominant |
Progressions with Bm7
- ii–V–I in A major: Bm7 – E7 – Amaj7 A cadence that is extremely common in jazz.
- iiø–V–i in B minor: C♯m7♭5 – F♯7 – Bm7 The minor ii–V–i of jazz.