The B minor chord contains 3 notes: B – D – F# (root, minor 3rd, perfect 5th). On guitar, the standard position is a barre chord at the 2nd fret: x24432. It is the vi chord in D major and is required for many songs in the keys of D and G major.
The B minor chord has a distinctive darker, more melancholic quality compared to B major. Containing B – D – F#, it uses a minor third instead of a major third — that single change in one note creates a completely different emotional character.
The B Minor Chord
Character & Usage
The first barre chord most guitarists learn in a non-E position. Essential for playing in the keys of D and G major.
Pop, rock, folk. The Bm chord is required in many D major songs (I–V–vi–IV in D = D–A–Bm–G).
How to Play the B Minor Chord
Finger position: x24432 — barre at 2nd fret, ring finger 4th fret 4th string, pinky 4th fret 3rd string. Minor chords often feel more natural under the fingers than their major counterparts. Focus on clean string separation and making sure no unwanted strings ring.
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Open Chord Finder →Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the B minor chord?
The B minor chord contains B – D – F#. Built from: Root – Minor 3rd – Perfect 5th.
How do you play the B minor chord on guitar?
x24432 — barre at 2nd fret, ring finger 4th fret 4th string, pinky 4th fret 3rd string
What keys is the B minor chord in?
The B minor chord naturally appears in: B minor, D major, G major, A major.
What is the difference between B major and B minor?
B major contains B – D – F#. B minor replaces the major 3rd with a minor 3rd — giving it a darker, more melancholic sound while keeping the same root and fifth.
See also: Chord Finder · Chord Progression Generator · Scale Explorer