Also written Bm7 or Bmin7
B minor 7th contains B, D, F♯, and A. The 7th-fret shape mirrors the B♭ minor 7th grip but sits one fret higher, giving the left hand a slightly tighter stretch.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
B minor 7th is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, ♭7. The ♭3 and ♭7 create its minor quality. Compare it with B minor, which lacks the ♭7.
B minor 7th appears in the I–V–vi–IV progression in D major: D major–A major–B minor–G major. It fits folk-rock and pop ballads where the ♭7 softens the minor chord.
The 7th-fret shape keeps B in the bass for a clear root-position sound. The Bm7/F♯ inversion at the 2nd fret puts F♯ in the bass, which is useful when the bass line moves from the 5th below. The Bm7/A inversion at the 5th fret places A in the bass, creating a darker, more suspended feel.
B minor 7th is played at the 7th fret as 7 9 7 7: index finger on the E string at fret 7, pinky finger on the A string at fret 9, middle finger on the D string at fret 7 and ring finger on the G string at fret 7.
Tip — The pinky stretch from the 7th to the 9th fret is the hardest part, especially for players with smaller hands.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7 | 1 | B (1) |
| 3 (A) | 9 | 4 | F♯ (5) |
| 2 (D) | 7 | 2 | A (♭7) |
| 1 (G) | 7 | 3 | D (♭3) |
B minor 7th is played in open position as 2 2 0 2: index finger on the E string at fret 2, middle finger on the A string at fret 2 and ring finger on the G string at fret 2. The D string rings open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2 | 1 | F♯ (5) |
| 3 (A) | 2 | 2 | B (1) |
| 2 (D) | open | — | D (♭3) |
| 1 (G) | 2 | 3 | A (♭7) |
B minor 7th is played at the 12th fret as 14 14 12 14: middle finger on the E string at fret 14, ring finger on the A string at fret 14, index finger on the D string at fret 12 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 14.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 14 | 2 | F♯ (5) |
| 3 (A) | 14 | 3 | B (1) |
| 2 (D) | 12 | 1 | D (♭3) |
| 1 (G) | 14 | 4 | A (♭7) |
B minor 7th is played at the 4th fret as 5 5 4 4: barre your index finger across fret 4, middle finger on the E string at fret 5 and ring finger on the A string at fret 5.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5 | 2 | A (♭7) |
| 3 (A) | 5 | 3 | D (♭3) |
| 2 (D) | 4 | 1 (barre) | F♯ (5) |
| 1 (G) | 4 | 1 (barre) | B (1) |
B minor 7th adds the ♭7, A, to the B minor triad. This extra note gives the chord a more relaxed, jazzy character.
The 5th in the bass provides a stable but less definitive sound than the root. It is often used when the bass line moves stepwise from F♯ to G or E.
Yes, the Bm7/F♯ inversion at the 2nd fret uses the open D string. This voicing is easier for beginners but still sounds full.