All 4 ways to play Bm on guitar
-
x24432 at the 2nd fret -
x20402 open position -
799777 at the 7th fret -
x-x-9-11-12-10 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 Bm on guitar
Main shape: x24432 (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 little finger (4) on the 4th fret of the G (3rd) 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).
Bm notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| B | 1 | root |
| D | ♭3 | minor 3rd |
| F♯ | 5 | perfect 5th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: Bm/D (1st inversion) and Bm/F♯ (2nd inversion).
Bm on piano and ukulele
-
Bm piano chord B – D – F♯ -
Bm on ukulele 4222
Which keys use Bm?
Bm 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 | Bm | iii | tonic or dominant |
| E minor | Bm | v | dominant |
| D major | Bm | vi | tonic |
| B minor | Bm | i | tonic |
| A major | Bm | ii | predominant |
| F♯ minor | Bm | iv | predominant |
Progressions with Bm
- I–V–vi–IV in D major: D – A – Bm – G The four-chord pop progression (also called the Axis progression).
- vi–IV–I–V in D major: Bm – G – D – A The same four chords, starting on the minor vi.
- I–vi–IV–V in D major: D – Bm – G – A The '50s or doo-wop progression.
- I–IV–vi–V in D major: D – G – Bm – A The four chords of I–V–vi–IV in another order.
- I–iii–IV–iv in G major: G – Bm – C – Cm Ends on the minor iv, borrowed from the minor key.