Bm chord

[Shad]

When you guys play the B minor chord in bluegrass, do you barre it, or do you just use your index on the first fret on the high E?

Working on Ginseng Sullivan

[KevinB]

I would typically barre it just to get a fuller sound, but it does depend on what sound you’re going for as to which one you use.

[Flatpickin_Libby]

I barre it.

[Michael_Mark]

I barre, and would consider a clearly defined low root note more important than the high F# on the E string. Sometimes, I just like to crosspick the four inner strings.

[Shad]

Thanks!

[Mike_R]

Barre here too.

Peer pressure.

[Michael_Mark]

You can be kewl and use this one.

[Mike_R]

You can be kewl and use this one.

You could also hit the 7th fret on the high e there too.

[Tony]

I personally find this chord to be challenging. I typically try to barre the chord to the A string with my index finger lightly on the low E just enough to mute it. I’m at a stage where I may nail it cleanly but more often flub it. The struggle and stress of knowing that chord is coming up is real. I have to work at trying not to think about it. I’ve seen other sites that suggest the “baby” version. Ick. Actually, more difficult for me with a much thinner sound.