Bm

General info

Full name

B Minor

Symbol

Bm

Root

B

Quality

Minor

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

viRelative tonic (vi)D major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

F#F# MajorEmE MinorAA Major

Main resolution

Bmsource

F#F# Major

Minor chord Bm is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).

Other resolutions

Bmsource

Deceptive resolution

GG Major

A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.

Bmsource

Modal resolution

AA Major

In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.

Bmsource

Jazz reharmonization

E7E Dominant 7

In jazz, a minor chord often serves as ii in a ii-V-I progression. Its "resolution" is the dominant a 4th up.

Bmsource

Functional resolution

EE Major

As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Substitutions

Parallel

BB Major

Relative

DD Major

Mediant

GG Major

Features

Character

Minor, stable

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3)

Description

The minor 3rd defines the minor quality, while the perfect 5th preserves the triad’s stability.

Application

• ii, iii, vi in major
• Ballads, rock, jazz, blues
• Minor progressions

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Harmonic context

viD majorToniciiiG majorToniciiA majorPredominantvE minorDominant

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.