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Bm(Minor Chord)

A darker, more melancholic triad with a minor third instead of a major third.

Notes
B – D – F#
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 3 – 7
Type
Triad

🎹 Bm on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the Bm chord.

R
B(Root (R))
2
D(Minor 3rd (♭3))
3
F#(Perfect 5th)

🎸 Bm on Guitar

The Bm chord uses notes B, D, F#. Build a voicing by finding these notes on any strings — root on the 6th string is a common starting point for barre chord shapes.

Interval Analysis

DegreeInterval NameSemitonesNote in B
RootRoot (R)0B
3rdMinor 3rd (♭3)3D
5thPerfect 5th7F#

About the B Minor Chord

The Bm chord (B Minor) consists of 3 notes: B, D, F#. A darker, more melancholic triad with a minor third instead of a major third.

To build any minor chord, apply intervals of 0, 3, 7 semitones above the root. Starting from B: the notes land on B, D, F#.

Playing Bm on Piano

Press B, D, F# simultaneously. In root position, B is lowest. First inversion places D in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses F# as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using Bm

  • I–IV–V: Bm – Em – F#m (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Bm – F# – G#m – E (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: Bm – G#m – E – F# (50s progression)

The Bm Chord in Context

As a minor chord, Bm is the tonic (I) in the key of B major. It also appears as the IV chord in F# major, and as the V chord in E major — making it one of the most important chords across all of Western music.

Other B Chords

B
Major
B7
Dominant 7th
Bmaj7
Major 7th
Bm7
Minor 7th
Bdim
Diminished
Baug
Augmented

Minor Chord in All 12 Keys

CmC#mDmD#mEmFmF#mGmG#mAmA#mBm
🎹 Virtual Piano
Play Bm on piano
🎸 Virtual Guitar
See on the fretboard
🎵 B Scale
Notes that fit Bm
🎶 Songs
Find songs using Bm

FAQ

Bm Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the Bm chord?
The B Minor chord contains: B, D, F#. These notes are derived by applying the minor interval formula (0–3–7 semitones) to the root note B.
What is the Bm chord used for?
A darker, more melancholic triad with a minor third instead of a major third. The Bm chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of B major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.
How do you play Bm on piano?
On piano, play B, D, F# simultaneously. In root position, B is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has D lowest, second inversion has F# lowest.
How many notes are in a minor chord?
A minor chord has 3 notes: B, D, F# (in B). It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.
What is the difference between B major and B minor?
The B major chord (B–D#–F#) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound. The B minor chord (B–D–F#) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.
What key does Bm belong to?
Bm naturally serves as the I chord in the key of B major. It also appears as IV in the key of F# major, and as V in the key of E major.
Can I play Bm on ukulele?
Yes. The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The Bm chord notes (B, D, F#) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.
What chords go well with Bm?
In the key of B major, Bm pairs naturally with E major (IV), F# major (V), and G#m (vi). The classic I–IV–V (Bm–E–F#) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.
What is a chord inversion of Bm?
An inversion places a non-root note in the bass. Bm root position: B in bass. First inversion: D in bass. Second inversion: F# in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.
How do I memorize the notes in a minor chord?
Remember the formula: 0–3–7 semitones from root. For Bm: start on B, add 3 semitones, then 7 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any minor chord.