How to Play the B Minor Chord
B minor, written Bm, is built from three notes: B, D, and F#. This guide shows the full six-string shape, two easier versions for when the barre is hard to hold, a practice routine that builds the chord one note at a time, and fixes for the problems that stop a clean Bm from ringing.
The full B minor shape, string by string
This is the A-shape barre pattern at the second fret, with the B string moved down one fret to make the chord minor. Lay your index finger flat across the second fret, then place three more fingers as shown in the table. Leave the low E string out of your strumming.
Tab line: Low E to High E
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th (low E) | Not played | Not used | Not used |
| 5th (A) | 2 | Index (barre) | B |
| 4th (D) | 4 | Ring | F# |
| 3rd (G) | 4 | Pinky | B |
| 2nd (B) | 3 | Middle | D |
| 1st (high E) | 2 | Index (barre) | F# |
Each finger sits in one place. Press each string separately to check that it rings clearly before you strum the whole chord.
Easier ways to play B minor
Two versions use the same notes with less pressure on your index finger. Start with whichever one you can hold cleanly, then move to the full shape.
Four-string version
x-x-4-4-3-2Leave out the two lowest strings and play only the top four. Put your index finger on the high E string at the second fret, your middle finger on the B string at the third fret, your ring finger on the D string at the fourth fret, and your pinky on the G string at the fourth fret. No barre is needed.
Best for: Strumming patterns, fast changes, and playing alongside a bass.
Seventh-fret version
7-9-9-7-7-7This is an E-shape minor barre moved up to the seventh fret, so the root sits on the low E string. The chord sounds deep and full. The index finger lies flat across the seventh fret on the low E, G, B, and high E strings. The ring and pinky fingers play the ninth fret on the A and D strings.
Best for: A fuller, deeper sound or when playing in a higher part of the neck.
Build the chord one note at a time
Learn each note before you combine them. Each step adds one note, so you can hear which string is out of tune or buzzing.
Pluck the open B string, the second string from the top. This is the root, B.
Press the B string at the third fret and pluck it. This note is D, the minor third that makes the chord minor.
Press the high E string at the second fret and pluck it. This note is F#, the fifth of the chord.
Play the top three strings together: the G string at the fourth fret with your pinky, the B string at the third fret with your middle finger, and the high E string at the second fret with your index finger. This gives B, D, and F#.
Add the D string at the fourth fret with your ring finger. This adds a second F# and fills out the sound.
Lay your index finger flat across the second fret from the A string to the high E string to finish the full shape.
Strum from the A string down to the high E string. Leave the low E string out.
Switch into and out of B minor
Changes are harder than holding the chord. Practice the change itself. Smooth changes come from slow repetition, not from speed.
- Pick a chord you already know (e.g., E minor).
- Count four beats: 1-lift, 2-move, 3-place, 4-strum.
- Practice at 60 BPM with the Online Metronome.
- Raise the tempo by 5 BPM after three clean repetitions.
BPM Target
Steady Precision
Fix the problems that stop B minor from ringing
Barre buzzes or strings do not ring
Place the index finger just behind the fret wire and roll slightly onto the bony side of the finger. Press with your thumb behind the neck, not wrapped over it.
Fingertips mute nearby strings
Arch the ring and pinky fingers so that the tips press directly behind the frets. Keep each finger close to the fret it plays.
Changes stall on the way into Bm
Find the finger that can stay in place or move in one motion, and make that move first. Slow the change until it is smooth, then speed up.
Your hand tires quickly
Practice the four-string version for longer sessions, then return to the full shape for a few short tries at the end.
Check your shape on the fretboard
Once the shape rings clearly, confirm each note. The Fretboard Note Finder shows where B, D, and F# sit on your neck, so you can check that every finger is on the note you expect.
Tune your guitar before you check. A correct shape still sounds wrong when the strings are out of tune. The Chord Library on GuitarTuner.io includes interactive diagrams with audio playback for each chord.
Questions about playing B minor
Yes. Bm is the short name for B minor. Both mean the same three notes: B, D, and F#.
No. The four-string version uses no barre across the neck and contains the same three notes.
Strum from the A string down to the high E string. Leave out the low E string in the full shape.
Start with the one-note steps and the four-string version. Move to the full barre once changes into and out of the chord are smooth.
Tune your guitar first. Then check each finger on the fretboard. A finger one fret off plays a different note, and the chord sounds wrong.
Check your B minor against the notes
Place your fingers, then confirm each note on the fretboard before you play the chord through.
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