Bm Chord
Minor chords carry a darker, more introspective or melancholic character compared to their major counterparts. The minor third (3 semitones) is the sole difference from a major chord — one semitone lower — but the emotional impact is dramatic.
Notes in Bm
The Bm minor chord contains B — D — F♯. It is built from the following intervals above the root:
| Degree | Interval name | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Root | B |
| ♭3 | Minor third | D |
| 5 | Perfect fifth | F♯ |
Interval formula: root (1) — minor third (♭3) — perfect fifth (5) (0, 3, 7 semitones).
Sound and Character
Minor chords carry a darker, more introspective or melancholic character compared to their major counterparts. The minor third (3 semitones) is the sole difference from a major chord — one semitone lower — but the emotional impact is dramatic. Compare Bm to B major: the only difference is the middle note (D vs D♯). That single semitone change transforms a bright, open sound into a darker, more introspective one.
Key Function
B minor is the i chord in B minor and appears as a diatonic chord in related major keys including B minor (i), D major (III), E minor (iv), A major (VII). Tonic (i) chord in its namesake minor key, or a diatonic ii, iii, or vi chord in major keys.
Famous Songs Featuring Bm
- "More Than a Feeling" – Boston
- "B major anthems in classic rock"
Voicing Tips
On guitar: minor chord shapes often feel more 'closed' than major shapes. The barre form is common. On piano: compare major and minor triads side by side — notice only the middle note (the third) changes. Open the MusoKit chord finder to see Bm on piano, guitar, and ukulele with audio playback — compare voicings across instruments to find the one that fits your playing style.
FAQs
What notes are in the Bm chord?
The Bm minor chord contains: B — D — F♯. The intervals are root (1) — minor third (♭3) — perfect fifth (5).
What key is the Bm chord in?
B minor is the i chord in B minor and appears as a diatonic chord in related major keys including B minor (i), D major (III), E minor (iv), A major (VII).
How do you play Bm on guitar?
Open the chord finder to see common guitar voicings for Bm. Bm is available in multiple positions — the chord finder shows the most practical shapes for each instrument.
What is the difference between B major and Bm?
Compare Bm to B major: the only difference is the middle note (D vs D♯). That single semitone change transforms a bright, open sound into a darker, more introspective one.
What chords go well with Bm?
Chords from the same key sound most natural alongside Bm. Use the scale explorer to explore the full set of diatonic chords in the keys where Bm appears, and the circle of fifths to find harmonically adjacent chords.