3 Ways To Play A Bm Chord On Guitar - WikiHow

Home » How To Play Bm On Guitar » 3 Ways To Play A Bm Chord On Guitar - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Play a Bm Chord on Guitar PDF download Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Playing a Bm Chord on 3 Strings (Beginner) 2 Playing a Bm Chord on 5 Strings (Intermediate) 3 Playing a Bm Chord on 6 Strings (Advanced) Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Carlos Alonzo Rivera, MA

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Approved

PDF download Download Article X

This article was co-authored by Carlos Alonzo Rivera, MA. Carlos Alonzo Rivera is a guitarist, composer, and educator based in San Francisco, California. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from California State University, Chico, as well as a Master of Music degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Carlos specializes in the following genres: classical, jazz. rock, metal and blues. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 471,329 times.

The B minor guitar chord (Bm chord) is a very useful chord found in a number of songs, but can be a bit difficult for beginners. This is mostly because it requires a barre. In other words, you have to hold down multiple strings with one finger.[1] An easy way to start learning this chord, however, is to simplify or completely remove the barre. We’ll show you three different ways, with barres and sans barres, so that you can start strumming the Bm chord.

Play a Bm Chord on Guitar: Overview

Illustration depicting 3 different ways to play a B minor chord on the guitar.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Playing a Bm Chord on 3 Strings (Beginner)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Place your first finger. 1 Place your first finger. To start this simple version of the Bm chord, put your pointer finger on the first E string at the second fret.[2]
  2. Step 2 Place your second finger. 2 Place your second finger. Next, put your middle finger on the second B string at the third fret.[3] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Place your third finger. 3 Place your third finger. Finally, put your ring finger on the third G string at the fourth fret. [4]
  4. Step 4 Leave the fourth D string open. 4 Leave the fourth D string open.[5]
  5. Step 5 Strum the chord. 5 Strum the chord. Starting from the open D string, drag your pick or thumb across the D, G, B, and E strings to play the Bm chord. Do not include the sixth E nor the fifth A string.[6]
    6. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Playing a Bm Chord on 5 Strings (Intermediate)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Barre your first finger. 1 Barre your first finger. A “barre” is when you use the same fingering across more than one string.[7]
    • In this intermediate version of the chord, start by placing your first finger on the fifth A string at the second fret.
    • Press it down it flat across to the first E string.
    • All five strings should now be pressed down at the second fret.
    EXPERT TIP Carlos Alonzo Rivera, MA

    Carlos Alonzo Rivera, MA

    Professional Guitarist Carlos Alonzo Rivera is a guitarist, composer, and educator based in San Francisco, California. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from California State University, Chico, as well as a Master of Music degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Carlos specializes in the following genres: classical, jazz. rock, metal and blues. Carlos Alonzo Rivera, MA Carlos Alonzo Rivera, MA Professional Guitarist

    Our Expert Agrees: To bar with your index finger, you want to press the finger as close to the metal fret as possible and curve the other fingers like the letter C.

  2. Step 2 Place your second finger. 2 Place your second finger. Just as the previous method, put your second finger on the second B string at the third fret.[8]
  3. Step 3 Place your third finger. 3 Place your third finger. This is different from the previous method in that you put your third finger on the fourth D string at the fourth fret. [9]
  4. Step 4 Place your fourth finger. 4 Place your fourth finger. You’re actually going to put your fourth pinky finger on the third G string at the fourth fret, right next to your third finger.[10]
  5. Step 5 Strum the chord. 5 Strum the chord. For this intermediate version, you’re not going to play the sixth E string. Instead, start your pick or thumb on the fifth string and strum through to the first to play the chord. Do not include the sixth E string.[11]
    6. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Playing a Bm Chord on 6 Strings (Advanced)

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Barre your first finger. 1 Barre your first finger. This time, extend your first finger across all six strings.[12]
    • Start by placing your first finger on the sixth E string at the second fret.
    • Press it down it flat across all the strings to the first E string.
    • All six strings should now be pressed down at the second fret.
  2. Step 2 Place your second finger. 2 Place your second finger. Just as the previous methods, put your second finger on the second B string at the third fret.[13]
  3. Step 3 Place your third finger. 3 Place your third finger. Similar to intermediate method, put your third finger on the fourth D string at the fourth fret.[14]
  4. Step 4 Place your fourth finger. 4 Place your fourth finger. Finally, put your fourth finger on the third G string at the fourth fret, right next to your third finger.[15]
  5. Step 5 Strum the chord. 5 Strum the chord. For this full version, you’re going to play all six strings, so go ahead and strum all the way through.[16]
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Isn't the simplest guitar chord Em or A7? Community Answer Community Answer Em7 is the simplest chord, it's 1 finger on second fret of the fifth string. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 27
  • Question What are ways to play F? George Malen George Malen Community Answer You can either play it with a barre on the first fret, or only strumming the F on the 4th string, the A on the third string and the C on the 2nd string and the E on the first string. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 10
  • Question Should I use a pick? Community Answer Community Answer It's a matter of personal preference whether or not you use a pick. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 14 Helpful 36
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • In order to really learn a chord, it’s not enough to just be able to finger the chord. The real mastery comes in being able to move from one chord to another. Try practicing chord shifting exercises like this to help.[17] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Try not to play certain strings in the Beginner and Intermediate versions, as they will negatively affect the overall sound of your chord. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
  • Only use the barre technique for the first finger, otherwise you’ll risk muting out other strings that you want to keep open. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Be careful not to slide your fingers too hard and too fast with any chord, because you might burn them. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 3
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Play Barre Chords on a GuitarHow toPlay Barre Chords on a Guitar Play the C Major Chord on GuitarHow toPlay the C Major Chord on Guitar Play an A Major Chord on the GuitarHow toPlay an A Major Chord on the Guitar Play the D Chord for GuitarHow toPlay the D Chord for Guitar Play the F Chord on GuitarHow toPlay the F Chord on Guitar Play the G Major Chord on GuitarHow toPlay the G Major Chord on Guitar Finger All Chords on GuitarHow toFinger All Chords on Guitar Play Guitar ChordsHow toPlay Guitar Chords Read Chord DiagramsHow toRead Chord Diagrams How toPlay the Blues on Guitar Learn to Play Electric GuitarHow toLearn to Play Electric Guitar How toRapidly Learn to Play the Acoustic Guitar Yourself Start Learning GuitarHow toStart Learning Guitar Bend a Note on GuitarHow toBend a Note on Guitar Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://tomasmichaud.com/easy-bm-chord/
  2. ↑ https://tomasmichaud.com/easy-bm-chord/
  3. ↑ https://tomasmichaud.com/easy-bm-chord/
  4. ↑ https://tomasmichaud.com/easy-bm-chord/
  5. ↑ https://tomasmichaud.com/easy-bm-chord/
  6. ↑ https://tomasmichaud.com/easy-bm-chord/
  7. ↑ http://www.8notes.com/guitar_chord_chart/bm.asp
  8. ↑ http://www.8notes.com/guitar_chord_chart/bm.asp
  9. ↑ http://www.8notes.com/guitar_chord_chart/bm.asp
More References (8)
  1. ↑ http://www.8notes.com/guitar_chord_chart/bm.asp
  2. ↑ http://www.8notes.com/guitar_chord_chart/bm.asp
  3. ↑ http://www.8notes.com/guitar_chord_chart/bm.asp
  4. ↑ http://www.8notes.com/guitar_chord_chart/bm.asp
  5. ↑ http://www.8notes.com/guitar_chord_chart/bm.asp
  6. ↑ http://www.8notes.com/guitar_chord_chart/bm.asp
  7. ↑ http://www.8notes.com/guitar_chord_chart/bm.asp
  8. ↑ https://tomasmichaud.com/easy-bm-chord/

About This Article

Carlos Alonzo Rivera, MA Co-authored by: Carlos Alonzo Rivera, MA Professional Guitarist This article was co-authored by Carlos Alonzo Rivera, MA. Carlos Alonzo Rivera is a guitarist, composer, and educator based in San Francisco, California. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from California State University, Chico, as well as a Master of Music degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Carlos specializes in the following genres: classical, jazz. rock, metal and blues. This article has been viewed 471,329 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 18 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 471,329 Categories: Featured Articles | Guitar Chords Article SummaryX

To play the B minor chord on the guitar, place your index finger on second fret pressing down the first E string, or the string closest to the floor. Put your middle finger on the second string from the bottom, the B string, at the third fret, and place your ring finger on the G string, or the third string from the bottom, at the fourth fret. Strum the bottom four strings to play the B minor chord. To learn how to play the B minor chord on 5 strings, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Portuguese Spanish French Indonesian Italian Dutch German Thai Chinese Vietnamese Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 471,329 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Marrissa M.

    Marrissa M.

    Aug 24, 2016

    "When I saw the chord, I was like, what in the world, how do I get my fingers there? But this made it easy, it..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Carlos Alonzo Rivera, MA Co-authored by: Carlos Alonzo Rivera, MA Professional Guitarist Click a star to vote Co-authors: 18 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 471,329 Marrissa M.

Marrissa M.

Aug 24, 2016

"When I saw the chord, I was like, what in the world, how do I get my fingers there? But this made it easy, it..." more Diane Garofalo

Diane Garofalo

Oct 12, 2016

"I have found the Bm chord very difficult for me to play. This article has helped me, and I have now mastered the..." more Ernest Pinto

Ernest Pinto

Aug 10, 2019

"It explained very simply and correctly how to play the barre chord, unlike many sites that complicate the issue...." more Febi Daniel

Febi Daniel

Jul 28, 2016

"I am a new student of guitar, so want to know more about guitar. Thanks a lot for publishing your article." Ahnaf Atif

Ahnaf Atif

Dec 29, 2016

"The illustration is worth dying for, this thing helped me learn the advanced one perfectly." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Music Notes & Symbols TestMusic Notes & Symbols TestTake QuizWhat Instrument Should I Play QuizWhat Instrument Should I Play QuizTake QuizLyrical Memory QuizLyrical Memory QuizTake QuizImpossible English TestImpossible English TestTake QuizThe Ultimate BTS (Bangtan) Trivia QuizThe Ultimate BTS (Bangtan) Trivia QuizTake QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Play Barre Chords on a GuitarHow toPlay Barre Chords on a GuitarPlay the C Major Chord on GuitarHow toPlay the C Major Chord on GuitarPlay an A Major Chord on the GuitarHow toPlay an A Major Chord on the GuitarPlay the D Chord for GuitarHow toPlay the D Chord for Guitar

Featured Articles

What 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanWhat 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanJuicy, Deep, & Hot-Seat Questions to Get to Know Your Friends BetterJuicy, Deep, & Hot-Seat Questions to Get to Know Your Friends Better40+ Talking Games to Play with Friends, Partners & More40+ Talking Games to Play with Friends, Partners & MoreMake FriendsHow toMake Friends

Trending Articles

Read Face Moles: Lucky and Unlucky PlacementsHow to Read Face Moles: Lucky and Unlucky PlacementsWhat Emojis Mean Sex?What Emojis Mean Sex?What Pokémon Am I QuizWhat Pokémon Am I QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouDo You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?

Featured Articles

The Different Types of People You Can Find in a Friend GroupThe Different Types of People You Can Find in a Friend GroupAn Introduction to Kibbe Body Types (with Styling Tips!)An Introduction to Kibbe Body Types (with Styling Tips!)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?From Alpha to Omega: A Guide to the 7 Male PersonalitiesFrom Alpha to Omega: A Guide to the 7 Male Personalities

Featured Articles

7 Easy Card Magic Tricks You Can Master in Minutes7 Easy Card Magic Tricks You Can Master in Minutes Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHow to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHypnotize SomeoneHow toHypnotize SomeoneThe Easiest Guinness World Records to Break: Which Will You Try?The Easiest Guinness World Records to Break: Which Will You Try? Solve a Rubik's Cube in 20 MovesHow to Solve a Rubik's Cube in 20 MovesWhistle with Two FingersHow toWhistle with Two Fingers

Watch Articles

Grow Out Your BangsHow toGrow Out Your BangsDress PunkHow toDress PunkEnd a Long Distance RelationshipHow toEnd a Long Distance RelationshipDo E Girl EyelinerHow toDo E Girl EyelinerRespond to the Fire EmojiHow toRespond to the Fire Emoji Stop Your Glasses from Making Your Eyes Look SmallHow to Stop Your Glasses from Making Your Eyes Look Small

Trending Articles

Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Introvert or Extrovert QuizIntrovert or Extrovert QuizWhat JJK Character Am I QuizWhat JJK Character Am I QuizFinish the Lyrics QuizFinish the Lyrics QuizWhat Is My Animagus Form?What Is My Animagus Form?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?

Quizzes & Games

Hiragana QuizHiragana QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizAm I a Music Nerd QuizAm I a Music Nerd QuizTake QuizBaseball QuizBaseball QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Arts and Entertainment
  • Music
  • Musical Instruments
  • String Instruments
  • Guitar
  • Learning Guitar
  • Guitar Chords
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

Let's do this! X --737

Tag » How To Play Bm On Guitar