Hey Friend,
Busy day already…
We have new windows being installed today, so there was a rush to take the blinds down this morning.
Ever feel like you’re living in a fishbowl? That’s why we waited to take the blinds down!
In the last key we looked at (E minor), the B minor chord was the Vm (the fifth chord in the progression, which happens to be minor). Today, it takes center stage as the Im chord, the root chord for the harmonic progression. That’s a Roman numeral 1 minor chord.
Im IIº III IVm Vm VI VII
B minor is created by combining the 1 3 5 notes from a B minor scale, or B, D and F#:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 (8)
B C# D E F# G A (B)
By far the easiest way to play B minor is with your index finger on the first string, second fret, your middle finger on the second string, third fret and your ring finger on the third string, fourth fret.
This fingering won’t give you as full a sound as, say, a B minor barre chord, but all the notes of the triad are there.
Let’s get to the exercises:
Now, I know we just looked at B minor last week, but the practice will do you good. B minor is one of those chords that shows up a lot but gives many of us real trouble. That’s because most of the time, B minor is introduced to newer players who have only been exposed to open chords within the first three positions (frets).
Open positions are safe and comfortable, but as soon as you start moving up the neck, it’s like exploring the unknown. That can be a little intimidating.
Pay special attention to the positions exercise because it gives you lots of options for B minor - kinda saves you from having to play the barre chord all the time. Not that there’s anything wrong with barre chords...
Peace~
Dave
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