How to play

How to play the Bm6 chord on guitar

Spice up your playing with this essential chord, as heard in "Blackbird" by The Beatles.

The Bm6 chord

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.

There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common Bm6 chord. We've also included other versions below.

Bm6 guitar chord diagram

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Finger placement for Bm6 chord

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.

Bm6 guitar chord with finger positions

How to play an easy Bm6 chord on guitar

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.

How to play a Bm6 bar chord

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.

Common Bm6 chord progressions

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#)

Drills to master the Bm6 chord

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.

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Songs that feature the Bm6 chord

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)

How a guitar teacher can help

If you feel stuck in your playing, it might help to take personalized guitar lessons with an expert guitarist. Taking lessons with a pro gives you access to the skills, feedback, and motivation to reach your goals.

You can find expert guitar teachers to support you in the journey. Thousands of people have turned to online guitar lessons on Til, instead of traditional in-person lessons, because Til gives you access to the best teachers in the world from the comfort of home. And with flexible scheduling, secure payments, lesson recordings, and a private chat with your teacher–there’s never been a better way to learn guitar.