Bm on piano: root position and inversions
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Root position B – D – F♯ -
1st inversion D – F♯ – B -
2nd inversion F♯ – B – D
How to play Bm on piano
- B is the white key just right of a group of three black keys. That is the root.
- Add D (minor 3rd above) and F♯ (perfect 5th above): press B, D and F♯ together.
- Right hand: thumb (1) on B, middle finger (3) on D, little finger (5) on F♯. Left hand: little finger (5), middle finger (3), thumb (1).
- For a smoother change between chords, try an inversion (the same notes with a different one at the bottom), shown above.
Finger numbers: 1 thumb to 5 little finger. Fingering varies with hand size; these are common defaults.
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 guitar and ukulele
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Bm guitar chord x24432 -
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.