The bm6 chord is another moveable chord shape worth learning, as its forms become second nature while playing songs. Practice making these changes so they become second nature for you.
This chord is an easy-to-hear progression that can be applied across different styles of music.
How to Play
The B minor 6th chord (also referred to as Bmin6) is a variation on a minor chord that incorporates a major sixth interval note into its chord structure. This can be accomplished by shifting the major third (D) up one fret vertically towards F#, and then down another fret (1-half step horizontally) until reaching G#.
It can be more complex for beginners to form this chord than its standard minor guitar chord counterpart, however the additional 6th note adds a jazz flavor which will keep advanced guitarists interested.
Chord playing tips: It is crucial that when performing this chord you mute any strings as needed when performing it for an unblemished sound without unwanted noise or buzzing strings.
Learn to play this chord in any key with our free GtrLib Chords app, which provides interactive diagrams of chords, scales and arpeggios in fingerings, barre, open and movable positions. Download it to your iPhone, iPad or Android device to see all available voicings of bm6 chords along with audio demonstrations; additionally there’s also a piano keyboard reference with notes on chord inversions!
Key of B
B minor sixth chord is one of the first chords many guitarists learn, constructed by taking steps one, three, five, six of B major scale and including its major 6th note for added jazziness.
The key of B is a minor scale with chords including Bm, Bb, Cm, Dm, Em, Fm Gm Am Eb. A typical minor scale consists of two sharps; this applies to the key of B as well. The flattening of third (b3) creates an Fm chord by lowering it half-step to create it.
As major chords always contain major sevenths, adding the b6 creates the m6 chord. So for instance the Bm6 chord includes tones B(1), D (m3), F#(5) and G#(6) – commonly played as root or major seventh respectively in its bass part.
Its versatility makes the m6 chord an essential component of any minor scale, since it can be used to construct any minor scale chord, from augmented to diminished ones. Furthermore, in major scales as well, as it serves as an essential building block of minor seventh chords which provide essential chromatic notes in most major keys.
Based on its context, an m6 chord can also be played inverted; either by leaving out certain notes altogether, or replacing major seventh interval with another minor seventh interval; usually major fifth is substituted instead as this makes playing major scale chords easier.
The piano keyboard chart below displays fingerings for the bm6 guitar chord in common positions on the fretboard. These fingerings can be adjusted according to individual guitarist playing styles. This chart includes open chords and barre chords commonly employed with this chord type.
Barreled Version
Bm6 (or Bmin6) chord is often abbreviated as Bm6, featuring an F# as its bass note and having intervals of 1 m3 5 6. Although initially confusing for beginners, this chord can be made simpler through various means – for instance some musicians prefer using barred versions which may take more practice but eventually become simpler when mastering. To form this chord you’ll need to mute five strings: first placing your index finger on string 2 at its first fret and third and fourth fingers onto string 3, followed by placing middle finger onto third string 4, fifth string 5 at its sixth fret before placing ring finger onto fifth string 5.
This chord is easier to play because no strings need to be muted; this provides you with a fuller sound and allows you to access it with no issues or difficulties. Although it takes some practice, mastering this chord will ultimately pay off in terms of sound quality; its only drawback being more difficult fretboard movement.
Some guitarists enjoy including this chord as part of a progression because its minor character complements other minor chords well, and its similar tone to an E9 chord adds jazz flair.
If you want to add some complexity to your chords, this chord should certainly give them some dimension. While more difficult than some other chords to move up and down the fretboard, it still provides an easy chord for making music more interesting. Give it a try for yourself and tell us about it afterwards; we love hearing from our users! To support the continued operation of our site, consider making a recurring monthly donation – your support can go a long way in helping it continue its mission of creation, education and sharing!
Unbarred Version
The B minor 6 guitar chord (bm6) can be difficult for novice players to master due to its two barre chords and needing muted strings in order to play correctly, yet once learned it becomes versatile in use across many musical genres. Composed of B1, D (m3), F#(5) and G#(6) it follows 1b3 56 steps from B major scale for proper playing.
It can also be made by eliminating the 6th interval note (G#) from any minor chord, such as Bm7 or Bm(7) Amaj7. The following chord charts for bm6 guitar chord display all possible voicings/fret configurations of this chord type such as open and barre chords as well as different fingering options; use keyboard to trigger preferred voicings and view chord diagram.