Rock in B minor — getting started
Rock in B minor follows exactly the same logic already worked on in E minor and A minor (i-VI-III-VII), but with B minor as the root — the only one of the three that doesn't exist as an open chord. First real obstacle of the strumming/chord-change path: the Bm barre chord. Contrary to popular belief, this particular Bm doesn't require a full six-string barre: the index only holds down two strings (A and high E, fret 2), while the middle, ring and pinky fingers place the remaining three notes further up the neck. It's this split between the index (2 strings) and the other three fingers (the rest) that makes the Bm playable without strain, provided you understand it before tackling the full progression.
Tips
Isolate the Bm on its own before working it into the progression: first place the index on the A and high E strings (fret 2) only, check both ring out, then add middle/ring/pinky.
The other three chords (G, D, A) are all open and already familiar: only move up to tempo once the Bm is clean, the rest of the grid won't add a new difficulty.
If the Bm resists, check that the thumb stays behind the neck level with the middle finger, not on top: a thumb positioned too high stops the index applying even pressure across its two strings.
Chord progression — Bm
Chords
Suggested next step: Improvisation — rock in B minor
Related sheets
- Rock in A minor (variant) — chord change (Level 2)
- Warm-up — spider walk (low E / A) (Level 2)
- G# minor pentatonic scale — position 1 (Level 2)