B Minor is a popular chord in many songs, often played as a barre chord.
In the following guide, you will learn how to play the B Minor chord on a left-handed guitar. You’ll explore its construction from the notes B, D, F♯, based on the Root, Minor 3rd, and Perfect 5th intervals of the B Major scale.
Left-handed chord diagrams and tips for finger placement are also included to help you incorporate B Minor into your chord progressions.
Interested in learning more left-handed chords? Check out our left-handed chord library.
How to Play the B Minor Chord
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Fingering (right-hand): • Index finger (1st finger) barre across the 2nd fret Strumming (left-hand): Strum all the strings from the fifth string (A) down. |
* Please note: This (and all chord charts on this website) are shown in left-handed orientation.

Alternate B Minor Chord Voicings
The chord voicings below represent alternative ways to play the B Minor chord, using the same notes:B, D, F♯, but arranged differently on the fretboard.
These variations provide tonal variety and adapt the chord to different musical contexts.

* Please note: This (and all chord charts on this website) are shown in left-handed orientation.
Tips For Playing the B Minor Chord For Left-Handers
Here are some tips specific to playing the B minor chord:
• Barre Strength: Barre all strings on the 2nd fret with your index finger.
• Moveable Shape: Work on perfecting this barre chord shape (A minor) as it is particularly useful.
• Hand Relaxation: Avoid squeezing the neck too hard; a relaxed grip ensures smoother transitions.
B Minor Chord Construction
How Are Chords Constructed?
Chords can be constructed from scales by using scale degrees or intervals. Scale degrees indicate the position of each note within the scale, intervals describe the distance from the root note to other notes in the scale. For example, a major triad includes the root, the major 3rd, and the perfect 5th intervals derived from the A Major to create its distinct sound.
Being a minor triad the B Minor chord includes the Root, Minor 3rd, and Perfect 5th intervals derived from the B Major scale to create its distinct sound.
In terms of scale degrees, the B Minor chord is built using the 1st, ♭3rd (flattened third), and 5th degrees of the B Major scale.
These degrees correspond to specific intervals that outline the notes of the chord.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the B Major scale showing how its notes contribute to constructing the B Minor chord.
B Minor Chord Construction
Scale Degree | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Scale Degree 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Intervals Root | R | M2 | M3 | P4 | P5 | M6 | M7 |
B Major Scale Degrees | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Notes | B | C♯ | D♯ | E | F♯ | G♯ | A♯ |
The notes that form the B Minor chord are B, D, F♯.
These notes are named according to music theory conventions, but their enharmonic equivalents are more familiar (e.g., E♯ = F, C♭ = B, E♭♭ = D, F♭ = E, G♭ = F♯, etc.) for practical understanding.
The Role of B Minor – Chord Function
What is Chord Function?
Chord function describes how a chord creates tension, resolution, or movement in a key. It defines the chord’s relationship to other chords and its role in shaping progressions.
Key | Chord Number | Function |
---|---|---|
A Major | N/A | Not part of the scale |
B♭ Major | N/A | Not part of the scale |
B Major | N/A | Not part of the scale |
C Major | N/A | Not part of the scale |
D♭ Major | VI | Submediant – Related to the tonic. |
D Major | N/A | Not part of the scale |
E♭ Major | VI | Submediant – Related to the tonic. |
E Major | N/A | Not part of the scale |
F Major | N/A | Not part of the scale |
F# Major | N/A | Not part of the scale |
G Major | N/A | Not part of the scale |
A♭ Major | N/A | Not part of the scale |
- Key: The musical key.
- Chord Number: Indicates the chord’s position within the key (e.g., I, ii, V).
- Chord Function: Describes the musical role of the chord in a specific key (e.g., Tonic, Subdominant).
Wrapping Up
Understanding the B Minor chord’s construction, role in progressions, and variations will allow you to incorporate B Minor into your playing with confidence and creativity.
More left-hand resources like this are available from
our left-handed chord database page.