B Minor Triad
Chord Tones: B Minor Triad
Symbol: m, min, - — Formula: 1-♭3-5
| Degree | Note | Frequency (A=440, Equal) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | 493.883 Hz |
| ♭3 | D | 293.665 Hz |
| 5 | F# | 369.994 Hz |
Chord Notation
| Notation Type | Symbol / Value |
|---|---|
| Lead Sheet Symbol | Bm |
| All Common Symbols | m, min, - |
| Interval Formula | 1-♭3-5 |
| Harmonic Category | consonant |
Roman numeral (e.g. I, IV, V) and Nashville Number notation are key-dependent. See Keys pages for chord function within specific keys.
Inversions
| Inversion | Notes (low to high) | Bass Note | Slash Notation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root Position | B – D – F# | B | B Minor Triad |
| First Inversion | D – F# – B | D | B Minor Triad/D |
| Second Inversion | F# – B – D | F# | B Minor Triad/F# |
Harmonic Function
The B minor chord commonly functions as the leading tone (vii) in C major or dominant (V) in E major. Its harmonic role varies by key — in major keys it provides subdominant or supertonic color.
The minor triad has a dark, introspective sound created by the flat third degree. It is the foundation of minor key harmony and widely used across all genres of music.
Common Progressions
The B Minor Triad frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):
i-iv-v-iii-V-I
Songs Featuring the Minor Triad
Well-known songs where the B Minor Triad — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:
- Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin
- Nothing Else Matters – Metallica
- Losing My Religion – R.E.M.
Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments
Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.
| Note | Equal Temp. | Pythagorean | Just Intonation |
|---|---|---|---|
| B | 493.883 Hz | 495.000 Hz | 490.548 Hz |
| D | 293.665 Hz | 293.332 Hz | 294.329 Hz |
| F# | 369.994 Hz | 371.251 Hz | 367.911 Hz |
Scales Containing the B Minor Triad
These scales include the B Minor Triad as a diatonic or characteristic chord: