How to play B-minor chord (Bm)
Lesson #59 • Apr 21, 2017
Looking for a Print-Friendly Guide?
This is one of my few lessons that doesn't have a printable song sheet / PDF available. If you'd like to request I make one, let me know by clicking the button below! If there's enough demand I'll bump it toward the top of the list.
How to play B-minor chord on guitar
In this quick practice tip, I’ll show you how to play the dreaded B minor chord. B minor is one of the first barre chords you’ll run into – which can be difficult to learn. I’ll walk you through it step by step, showing you how to play it with and without barring your index finger. This is a fantastic “first” barre chord to learn, as it is far easier than playing F. Best of all, learning B minor will help you build the finger muscles you’ll need to finally learn F too :)
Here’s the quick diagram, with finger positions noted. See my video for more detail!
E –––2––– <-- left index finger (barred)
B –––3––– <-- left middle finger
G –––4––– <-- left pinky finger
D –––4––– <-- left ring finger
A –––2––– <-- left index finger (barred)
E –––––––
Bm
Note about a minor mistake…
NOTE: From 1:25 to 2:23, I forgot to update the chord graphic I have on the screen. This is the part where I talk about putting your index finger down to barre the 2nd fret. If you’re viewing on a large screen (desktop or laptop), you’ll see the YouTube annotations I added to semi-correct this. On mobile, though, you won’t see this – so just be aware. I do show the proper chart at the beginning and end of the video (x24432).
Enjoy my lessons? Buy me a beer!
If this and my other lessons have proven helpful to you, please consider making a one-time donation to my tip jar. Contributions of any amount help make this project possible (including the many, many hours I put into it).
Fun & Helpful Tools I've Made
Subscribe to my YouTube channel
Be sure to never miss a lesson by subscribing on YouTube. I put out 2-3 new videos every week. These include full song lessons, as well as covers, practice tips, behind-the-scenes updates. Thanks!
Recent Lessons
-
December 1, 2023
First Steps with Doc Watson's "Deep River Blues"
-
November 22, 2023
10 Years of Song Notes... Thanks to You!
-
November 17, 2023
Guitar Finger Exercises for Flexibility, Control, Speed, and more
-
November 10, 2023
Lead Guitar Improvisation Tips (feat. Wagon Wheel)
-
November 5, 2023
Travis Picking Training Wheels (ft. Hayes Carll)
-
November 4, 2023
Strumming with Alternating Bass Notes
-
November 3, 2023
Long Black Veil
-
October 28, 2023
St James Infimary Blues
-
October 21, 2023
Fingerstyle Patterns for All Chords (using Travis Picking)
-
October 16, 2023
Soulful Lead Guitar Licks over "Amazing Grace"