Some chords are harder than others.
The Bm chord is one that can prove a little challenging, especially if you’re only used to playing open chords and have no experience with barre chords yet.
Don’t worry, though, because in this guide, we’ll show you how to play Bm on ukulele.
How To Play The Bm Chord
The Bm chord only uses two fingers – index and ring. That’s the easy part. The hard part, then, is the barring.
For this chord, you will be using your index finger to barre three strings – first, second, and third – at the second fret.
Generally, when you’re fretting one note at a time, your finger (and therefore wrist) is at a bit of an angle. When barring, you want your finger to sit flat on the fretboard. That means straightening out your wrist too.
Also, instead of applying pressure at the tip of the finger as you normally would, you’ll want to apply pressure more evenly across the entire pad of the finger that’s touching the fretboard.
Once you have your index finger in place, you can place your ring finger on the fourth fret of the fourth string.
Since you don’t want any part of your ring finger touching the other strings (first, second, and third), thereby muting them, you’ll want to ensure your ring finger is adequately curled, arching over the strings it’s not fretting.
It can take some practice to feel comfortable with the Bm chord. Spend plenty of time working on it. Make the chord, strum it, break the chord, and repeat the cycle.
Likely it will take some time to work out the muted notes, which are due to pressure applied incorrectly, or the ring finger touching (even if slightly) the other three strings – first, second, and third. Pay careful attention to these factors and adjust your technique accordingly.
What Is The Bm (B Minor) Chord?
The Bm chord is known as a barre chord. A barre chord requires you to fret more than one string with a single finger. For that reason, it is considered more difficult than standard “open” chords.
(This means there are multiple barre chord shapes for the ukulele – but we’ll mainly be focusing on Bm here.)
Aside from that, it is also a minor chord. Minor chords have a darker, sadder, more incomplete sound compared to major chords, but depending on the chord progression, a minor chord can sound happy too. It just depends on the context.
Bm is the relative minor of D and is therefore most likely to appear in songs with the key signatures of Bm and D, though it is used in other key signatures as well.
We cover several songs that use the Bm chord prominently below.
What Songs Use The Bm Chord?
Here we’ll look at several songs that take advantage of the Bm chord. Some are harder than others, but if you’re confident with your open chords, and you’re starting to feel more comfortable with Bm, you can start learning these now!
“Hotel California” by Eagles
Upon mention of the Bm chord, the first song that will come to mind for many will be the Eagles’ “Hotel California.” This one is probably the hardest of the bunch, though, so beware.
The typical pop song only has three to four chords, but “Hotel California” is a memorable, evocative, sophisticated piece made up of seven chords, with the first being Bm.
Certainly, you can find “easier” versions (usually in Am) that do not utilize the Bm chord, but since you are learning the Bm chord, it is recommended that you try the version in the video first.
“Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down
Another song that makes good use of the Bm chord is 3 Doors Down’s early 2000s alt-rock hit, “Kryptonite.” Most of the song, in fact, is made up of just three chords.
As with “Hotel California,” you get the full effect of the song when you pick the notes, but of course there is value in learning to strum the parts too (this can make comping easier).
Also, as with “Hotel California,” this is a highly recognizable tune and therefore a good one to add to your repertoire.
“Down Under” by Men At Work
Here’s a fun one I play with my band all the time. It’s best remembered for its catchy, harmony rich chorus, but the intro and verse keep to a more minor feel, starting with that Bm we’ve been discussing.
Most ukulele players end up learning the song in Am, which is fine. But again, since we’re practicing Bm now, it’s going to be more productive for you to learn the song in its original key.
It’s also a great tune for ukulele in general, given its syncopated island feel. See if you can tap into it!
“Moves Like Jagger” by Maroon 5
Maroon 5’s funky “Moves Like Jagger” was all the rage upon its release in 2010, and throughout the early 2010s in general.
Wouldn’t you know it – most of the song is made up of just two chords! The video version above shows a more sophisticated approach to the chords, but you can play it using the above Bm shape as well as a non-barred Em chord.
Overall, it plays quite nicely transferred from the guitar over to the uke.
“Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls
The Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris” is a 90s essential. This song is made up of five chords but is relatively simple once you get into it. The hardest part is going to be that pesky Bm chord, of course.
This is a fun song to embellish, so once you’ve learned the strumming, you could try out some leads as well.
How To Play Bm Chord On Ukulele, Final Thoughts
Now you know how to play Bm as well as several songs that use the chord to great effect. Take your time with these because repetition is key to your success.
When practicing your chords, have patience and don’t give up. With enough determination, you can learn to play just about anything. And above all, have fun!