B minor chord on piano

Bm · Bmin · B− — the darker, sadder sound: a major chord with its third lowered.

NotesB – D – F♯
Formula1 – ♭3 – 5
SymbolsBm, Bmin, B−
Fingering (root position)Right hand 1 3 5 · Left hand 5 3 1

How to play B minor on the piano

Start on B. Add the third (D) and the fifth (F♯). With the right hand use fingers 1 3 5; with the left hand 5 3 1. Press the keys together for the chord, or one after another for an arpeggio.

Inversions

The same notes in a different order: the lowest note changes, the chord stays B minor. Inversions let you move between chords with small steps.

Root position

B – D – F♯ · RH 1 3 5 · LH 5 3 1

1st inversion

D – F♯ – B · RH 1 2 5 · LH 5 3 1

2nd inversion

F♯ – B – D · RH 1 3 5 · LH 5 2 1

Which keys use B minor

In these keys the chord is built from the notes of the scale itself:

Its relative major chord is D major.

Other B chords

Practise chords with the Klavola app

Lessons, ear training, chord pads and hundreds of songs that listen to you play.

Get the app

▶ Play it on the full online piano · All piano chords