The Bm family chords are derived from the B minor scale, which consists of the following notes:
B Natural Minor Scale
B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A, B
From this scale, the family chords (diatonic chords) are built by stacking thirds on each degree of the scale.
The chord qualities follow the pattern of the minor scale:
minor - diminished - major - minor - minor - major - major.
Chords in the B Minor Family:
B Minor (i)
Notes: B, D, F#
The tonic chord and home base of the key, establishing the minor tonality.
C# Diminished (ii°)
Notes: C#, E, G
A tense chord, often used as a passing chord.
D Major (III)
Notes: D, F#, A
A major chord, adding brightness and relief.
E Minor (iv)
Notes: E, G, B
A minor chord contributing to the somber, emotional tone.
F# Minor (v)
Notes: F#, A, C#
A minor chord that often transitions back to the tonic.
(In harmonic minor, this becomes F# Major.)
G Major (VI)
Notes: G, B, D
The relative major chord, providing a contrasting brightness.
A Major (VII)
Notes: A, C#, E
A major chord with a sense of movement or resolution.
(In harmonic minor, this becomes A# Diminished (vii°).)
The Variations of Harmonic and Melodic Minor:
B Harmonic Minor Scale:
B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A#, B
Changes:
The v chord (F# Minor) becomes V (F# Major).
The VII (A Major) becomes A# Diminished (vii°).
B Melodic Minor Scale (Ascending)
B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, A#, B
Changes:
The iv (E Minor) becomes IV (E Major).
The v (F# Minor) becomes V (F# Major).
The VI (G Major) becomes G# Diminished.
The Common Progressions in B Minor are:
i - iv - v - i (B Minor - E Minor - F# Minor - B Minor)
A classic minor progression.
i - VI - VII - i (B Minor - G Major - A Major - B Minor)
A widely used progression in pop and rock.
i - V - VI - IV (B Minor - F# Major - G Major - E Minor)
Combines elements of harmonic minor for drama.