In this article you’ll learn how to construct the B minor triad as well as how to play it on piano and guitar.
We’ve also included sections on inversions for those that want a deeper understanding. Lastly, listen to some examples of popular songs that featured this triad.
Root, 3rd and 5th
The B minor triad is formed of the 1st, flat 3rd and flat 5th of the B major scale.
- B – root note
- D – minor 3rd above the root
- F# – perfect 5th above the root
Here is the triad written on the stave in the treble and bass clef.
Before you read on make sure that you have a basic understanding of intervals. Intervals are vital for understanding how triads are built. Check out our guide to major, minor and perfect intervals for more on this.
B Minor Triad on Piano
Below you can see how to play this triad on the keyboard or piano. This pattern of notes could also be played starting on any B note.
However, the order of the notes must be the same:
- B – lowest note
- D – middle note
- F# – highest note
This is called ‘root position’.
B Minor Triad on Guitar
There are two simple positions that you can use to play a B min triad on guitar. Both positions can also be slide up or down the neck to play different minor triads.
1st Inversion
A 1st inversion is where we take a triad but we start on the second note, which in this case is D. We still keep the F# above, but then the B (or root) become the highest note.
This way of rearranging a triad gives us a different sound as the relative pitches of the three notes has changed.
- D – lowest note
- F sharp – middle note
- B – highest note
1st inversion on Piano
On the piano we can play the 1st inversion of a B Min triad by starting on a D. Then play the F sharp above and the B above this.
1st Inversion on Guitar
Below are the most common shapes for playing a B min triad in the 1st inversion. Remember that we can only use certain shapes are the pitches of the three notes are important.
2nd Inversion
A 2nd inversion is where we take a triad but we start on the third note, which in this case is F#. We still keep the B above this as we did from the 1st inversion. Then the D becomes the highest note in the chord.
- F# – perfect 5th (lowest note)
- B – root note (middle note)
- D – minor 3rd (highest note)
We could construct a 2nd inversion starting on any F# note in any octave. The only thing that must stay the same is that the we use the B above and the D above that.
2nd inversion on Piano
On the piano we can play the 2nd inversion of a B Minor chord by starting on a F#. They play the B above and the D above this.
How to Play B Minor 2nd Inversion of Guitar
Below are the most common shapes for playing a B min triad in the 2nd inversion. Remember that we can only use certain shapes are the pitches of the three notes are important.
Triads from the B Minor Scale
By looking at the B Minor scale we can actually make triads built on each note and only using notes from B minor. Below you can see a list of each triad we will create be starting on different notes of the scale.
- B Minor
- C# Dim
- D Major
- E Minor
- F# Minor
- G Major
- A Major
Famous Songs in B Minor
Here’s 3 famous examples of songs in the key of B minor. For this reason, they use B Minor triads, as the root note chord, prominently in their chord progressions.
‘Diamonds’ – Rihanna
Rihanna’s ‘Diamonds’ is a polished pop anthem celebrated for its soaring vocals and catchy melody.
‘Wake Me up’ – Avicii
Avicii’s ‘Wake Me Up’ is a groundbreaking electronic dance track that blends folk and EDM elements, making it a genre-defying hit.
‘Listen To your Heart’ – Rosette
Roxette’s ‘Listen to Your Heart’ is a power ballad renowned for its emotional depth and memorable melody. Definitely a classic of 80s pop-rock!
What’s next….?
- Learn how to construct the B major triad
- Swat up on your chord knowledge with our complete guide to chords.
