Minor · intermediate · barre chord

B minor(Bm)

B minor appears constantly in the keys of D and G, so most players hit it soon after the open chords. The A-shape barre it uses is fully movable.

Notes

BDF#

Intervals

Rb35

Finger placement

  1. 1Index finger (1): barre strings A through high E at the 2nd fret.
  2. 2Middle finger (2): 3rd fret of the B string.
  3. 3Ring finger (3): 4th fret of the D string.
  4. 4Pinky (4): 4th fret of the G string.
Practice this chord →
2fr13421×BF#BDF#

The minor A-shape — slide up two frets for C#m, three for Dm.

Common mistakes

  • Barring all six strings when only five are needed.
  • Letting the barre drift away from the 2nd fret.

Coaching tips

  • Only barre from the A string down — the low E is muted anyway.
  • Land fingers 3 and 4 together as a unit; they always travel side by side.

Troubleshooting

High E buzzes under the barre

Check the barre sits just behind the 2nd fret wire and roll the finger toward its edge.

Easier alternatives

  • Small Bm (4 strings)

Progressions that use Bm

D – A – Bm – G (I–V–vi–IV in D)

D · A · Bm · G

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Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the B minor chord?

B minor contains B, D, F# — the intervals R, b3, 5 from the root B.

Is B minor a beginner chord?

B minor is rated intermediate and uses a barre. B minor appears constantly in the keys of D and G, so most players hit it soon after the open chords. The A-shape barre it uses is fully movable.

B minor: high e buzzes under the barre — what should I do?

Check the barre sits just behind the 2nd fret wire and roll the finger toward its edge.