How to play Bm on guitar (and easier ways)
Bm is a barre at the 2nd fret over five strings, with the ring and pinky stacked on the 4th and 3rd strings two frets higher.
The 3D hands holding Bm. Switch to 0.5× and turn the guitar to see each finger.
Where the fingers go
- Index finger (1) lies across the 5 strings from the A (5th) to the high E (1st) at fret 2.
- Ring finger (3) on the D (4th) string, fret 4.
- Pinky finger (4) on the G (3rd) string, fret 4.
- Middle finger (2) on the B (2nd) string, fret 3.
- Do not play low E (6th).
Notes in the chord: B – F# – D
Tips
- Do not play the low E. Let the tip of the index finger touch it so it stays quiet.
- Angle the wrist a little toward the headstock so the pinky can reach the 3rd string.
- Practise Bm to G and Bm to D slowly: those are the changes it usually lives between.
Easier ways to play Bm
Bm (small, 4 strings)
x x 4 4 3 2
No barre. Strum only the four thin strings.
Bm7
x 2 0 2 0 2
Open strings ring through. Close enough for most songs in D or G.
With a capo
Capo 2 and play an Am shape for the same pitch. Work out other keys with the capo calculator.
Practise Bm inside a real song
Paste the chords of any song that uses Bm, or snap a photo of the sheet. SnapFret plays it with the hands, and you can loop the change you find hardest.
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