How to play the Bm6 chord on guitar

The Bm6 chord, pronounced B minor sixth, is a rich and expressive chord that adds a touch of melancholy to any musical composition. Notable for its distinctive sound, the Bm6 is commonly used in genres such as jazz, blues, and indie rock. Songs like "Creep" by Radiohead and "The Thrill Is Gone" by B.B. King feature this chord, showcasing its emotional depth and versatility.

The most popular way to play the Bm6 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 2nd fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a Bm6 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings on the 2nd fret, forming a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd (B) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

To strum this chord, use your pick or thumb to strum down across all six strings in one smooth motion.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Bm6 chord, try this:

1. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th (A) string.
2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st (high E) string.
4. Strum only these three strings.

Playing a Bm6 barre chord can be a great way to add variety to your guitar playing and create a fuller, richer sound compared to the standard Bm6 chord.

Here's how to play a Bm6 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across the 2nd fret of the 1st through 5th strings (creating a barre).
2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd (B) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
5. Strum from the 5th (A) string down to the 1st (high E) string.

The Bm6 chord adds a melancholic and introspective flavor to chord progressions, often evoking a sense of yearning or contemplation. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the Bm6 chord:

• i6 - iv - V7 (Bm6 - Em - F#7) - Used in "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" by The Beatles
• i6 - VII - i6 - VII (Bm6 - A - Bm6 - A)
• i6 - v - IV - V (Bm6 - F#m - E - F#)
• i6 - iv - VII - III (Bm6 - Em - A - D)
• i6 - iv - i64 - V (Bm6 - Em - Bm64 - F#)

To master the Bm6 chord, try playing it as an arpeggio. Pluck each note individually in ascending and descending order: B, D, F#, G#, F#, D, B. Repeat this pattern slowly, focusing on clean execution and consistent timing.

Another effective drill is to practice transitioning smoothly between Bm6 and related chords like G, D, and Em. Create simple progressions using these chords and play them at a slow tempo, ensuring each Bm6 chord rings out clearly. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable with the transitions.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Bm6 chord.

1. I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston (A, Bm, Bm6, D, E)
2. Champagne Supernova by Oasis (F#m, A, Bm, Bm6, D)
3. My Immortal by Evanescence (A, Bm, Bm6, D, E)
4. Creep by Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm)
5. Wonderwall by Oasis (Em7, G, Dsus4, A7sus4, Cmaj7)
6. Hey There Delilah by Plain White T's (D, F#m, Bm, A, G)
7. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (Am, G, C, D, Fmaj7)
8. Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton (A, E, D, Bm, Bm6)
9. Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen (C, Am, Bm, Bm6, E)
10. Nothing Else Matters by Metallica (Em, D, C, G, B)