B Minor Chord (Bm)

How to play Bm on guitar

Read the diagrams with the low E string on the left. × means do not play that string, ○ means play it open.

Easier way: there is no open Bm shape, so it is usually played with one of the movable shapes above. With a capo you can use a shape you already know: capo on fret 2 and play the Am shape, or capo on fret 7 and play the Em shape.

How to play Bm on piano

Play B, D, F♯ together. With your right hand, use fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb on B). Your left hand can play B an octave lower for a fuller sound.

Chords in the key of B minor

These seven chords are built from the B minor scale (B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G, A), so they all sound at home next to Bm.

Common progressions in B minor

• i - VI - III - VII: Bm - G - D - A
• i - iv - v - i: Bm - Em - F♯m - Bm
• i - VII - VI - VII: Bm - A - G - A

The relative major of B minor is D. Both keys use the same notes. On the Camelot wheel, B minor is 10A.

Related chords

• B (B major)
• B7 (B seventh)
• Bmaj7 (B major seventh)
• Bm7 (B minor seventh)
• Bsus4 (B suspended fourth)
• All chords in the library

Change this chord into another key with the Chord Transposer, or look up any other chord or scale in the Chord and Scale Finder.