How to Play Bm7 on the Guitar

So you’re ready to tackle the Bm7 chord on the guitar. Whether you’re jamming out to your favorite metal tune or just exploring new chord shapes, Bm7 offers a rich, moody sound that can add depth to your playing. Let’s break it down into manageable parts and see how you can incorporate it into your guitar toolkit.

The Basics of Bm7

First, let’s understand what makes up a Bm7 chord. At its core, the Bm7 chord consists of four notes: B, D, F#, and A. This blend of tones gives it a minor flavor with a jazzy twist, thanks to the added seventh note. You’ll find this chord popping up in all kinds of music, from jazz and blues to rock and metal.

When you’re playing metal guitar, understanding these subtler chords can really enhance your sound. They provide a softer contrast to the heavy, aggressive riffs that define the genre. Imagine playing a blistering riff that suddenly drops into a Bm7 — it can create a surprising and dynamic shift.

So, how do we get this chord under our fingers? Let’s look at one of the most common ways to play Bm7 on a standard-tuned guitar.

Playing Bm7 in the Open Position

Starting with open chords is often the easiest way to familiarize yourself with new shapes. Unfortunately, Bm7 doesn’t have a straightforward open position like E minor or G major, but we can get close by using some open strings to simplify things a bit.

• Place your index finger on the second fret of the A string (B).
• Use your middle finger to press the second fret of the G string (A).
• Let the open D string ring out.
• Mute the low E string and the high E string for a cleaner sound.

This shape won’t give you the full sound of a barre chord, but it’s a good starting point. Once you feel comfortable, you can move on to more challenging shapes.

Barre Chord Shape for Bm7

Barre chords are a guitarist’s bread and butter, especially in metal. The Bm7 can be played using a barre chord shape, and while it requires some finger strength, it’s a versatile option.

Here’s how you can form the Bm7 barre chord:

• Bar your index finger across all the strings on the second fret.
• Place your middle finger on the third fret of the B string (D).
• Position your ring finger on the fourth fret of the D string (F#).
• Strum all the strings except the low E string.

Barre chords can be challenging, especially if you’re new to them. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll find that they’re incredibly useful in shifting between chords quickly and smoothly. Plus, they’re essential for playing in different keys without a capo.

Incorporating Bm7 into Metal Playing

Now that you’ve got the basic shapes down, how can you incorporate Bm7 into your metal playing? Metal isn’t just about speed and aggression; it’s about dynamics and texture too. Bm7 can add a haunting, melancholic quality to your riffs and solos.

Try using Bm7 in a breakdown section of a song to contrast with heavier, more aggressive riffs. The minor seventh chord can create a sense of tension and release, which is perfect for building intensity. If you’re into progressive metal, you might already know how important these shifts can be.

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Playing Bm7 with Varied Fingerings

It’s always good to have different fingerings for chords, allowing you to adapt to different musical situations. Here are a couple of alternative fingerings for Bm7:

Alternative Fingering 1:

• Place your index finger on the second fret of the A string (B).
• Press your middle finger on the second fret of the G string (A).
• Position your ring finger on the third fret of the B string (D).
• Let the open D string ring out.

Alternative Fingering 2:

• Use your index finger to bar the second fret from the A string down to the high E string.
• Place your middle finger on the third fret of the B string (D).
• Let the open D string ring out.

These variations can make transitioning between chords smoother, especially when playing fast-paced metal songs. Practicing these different shapes will also help improve your finger dexterity and strength.

Using Bm7 in Songwriting

If you’re writing your own music, Bm7 can be a fantastic chord to experiment with. It’s especially effective in creating emotional or atmospheric sections. When used in conjunction with power chords, it can offer a nice contrast that keeps listeners engaged.

Try starting a progression with Bm7 and see where it takes you. You might follow it with a G major or an E minor to explore different moods. The important thing is to experiment and see what sounds work best for the story you’re trying to tell musically.

At Riffhard, we have courses that can guide you through using chords like Bm7 creatively in your songwriting. Our instructors have years of experience and can offer insights into making your compositions stand out.

Practice Tips for Bm7

Practicing Bm7 is no different from practicing any other chord: repetition and consistency are key. Here are a few tips to help you nail it:

• Slow it Down: Start by playing the chord slowly to ensure each note is ringing clear. Speed comes with time.
• Use a Metronome: Practicing with a metronome can help you keep a steady rhythm and improve your timing.
• Switch Chords: Practice switching between Bm7 and other chords. This will help you get comfortable moving around the fretboard.

Remember, everyone progresses at their own pace. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t sound perfect right away. With practice and patience, you’ll be playing Bm7 effortlessly.

The Role of Bm7 in Metal Subgenres

Bm7 isn’t just limited to one style. It finds a home across various metal subgenres, each using it in unique ways. In black metal, for instance, Bm7 can add a touch of eeriness and melancholy to atmospheric sections. It’s a staple in progressive metal, where complex and dynamic chord changes are the norm.

In metalcore, you might find Bm7 used in breakdowns or bridge sections to create a moment of contrast before returning to high-energy riffs. Understanding how different subgenres use this chord can inspire you to explore new sounds and styles.

With Riffhard, you can learn from some of the best metal guitarists who specialize in these subgenres. Our instructors can show you how to integrate chords like Bm7 into your metal playing, regardless of the style you’re interested in.

Advanced Techniques with Bm7

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can start experimenting with advanced techniques. Try adding hammer-ons or pull-offs to the Bm7 chord to create more intricate sounds. You can also play around with fingerpicking patterns to highlight different notes within the chord.

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider incorporating Bm7 into a tapping sequence or using it within a string-skipping pattern. These advanced techniques can add a whole new dimension to your playing and make your music more engaging for listeners.

Remember, the goal is to keep pushing your boundaries and trying new things. Who knows? You might discover a unique sound or technique that becomes a hallmark of your style.

Final Thoughts

Learning the Bm7 chord can open up a world of possibilities in your guitar playing. From enhancing your rhythm playing to adding dynamic shifts in your songwriting, it’s a versatile chord worth mastering. And if you’re looking to dive deeper into metal guitar techniques, Riffhard offers a wealth of resources from the world’s top metal guitarists to help you on your journey.