Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

To play the B Half-Diminished 7th chord on guitar, find the notes B, D, F, A across the fretboard. The root B typically goes on the 6th or 5th string. Use the interactive fretboard above to see exact finger placement for this seventh chord shape.

Guitar Chord

Bm7b5 Guitar Chord

Diminished triad with a minor seventh. Common in jazz as the ii chord in minor keys. Learn the B Half-Diminished 7th chord on guitar with interactive fretboard, audio playback, and multiple voicings.

Notes
B – D – F – A
Intervals
0 – 3 – 6 – 10
Type
seventh chord
B D F A
E
A
D
G
B
e
3
5
7
9
12
4 notes · Standard (E A D G B E)

Playing the Bm7b5 Guitar Chord

The Bm7b5 chord is a half-diminished 7th chord built on the root B. It contains 4 notes: B, D, F, A. On guitar, this chord can be played in multiple positions across the fretboard, from open shapes to barre chord voicings.

Diminished triad with a minor seventh. Common in jazz as the ii chord in minor keys. For guitarists, mastering the Bm7b5 chord unlocks many songs in the key of B.

Recommended Bm7b5 Guitar Voicing

The interactive fretboard above shows a practical Bm7b5 voicing. The chord notes (B, D, F, A) appear as highlighted positions. Tap any highlighted fret to hear that note, or click "Play Bm7b5" to hear the full chord.

Interval Structure of Bm7b5

Degree Interval Semitones Note in B
Root Root (R) 0 B
3rd Minor 3rd 3 D
5th Tritone 6 F
7th Minor 7th 10 A

Common Progressions with Bm7b5 on Guitar

  • I–IV–V: Bm7b5 – Em7b5 – F#m7b5 (foundation of blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Bm7b5 – F# – G#m – E (modern pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: Bm7b5 – G#m – E – F# (50s doo-wop)

Tips for Practicing Bm7b5 on Guitar

Start by finding the root note B on the 6th and 5th strings. Build the chord shape from there. Practice transitioning between Bm7b5 and nearby chords like E and F#. Use slow, deliberate strums and check each string rings clearly.

Other B Guitar Chords

B
Major
Bm
Minor
B7
Dominant 7th
Bmaj7
Major 7th
Bm7
Minor 7th
Bdim
Diminished

Half-Diminished 7th Chord in All 12 Keys

Cm7b5 C#m7b5 Dm7b5 D#m7b5 Em7b5 Fm7b5 F#m7b5 Gm7b5 G#m7b5 Am7b5 A#m7b5 Bm7b5
Virtual Guitar
Interactive fretboard
Bm7b5 Piano
Piano chord diagram
B Scale
Notes that fit this chord
Songs
Find songs using Bm7b5

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Bm7b5 Guitar Chord — FAQ

Everything you need to know about our browser-based Web Audio engine, instruments, and music theory workspace.

How do I play the Bm7b5 chord on guitar?

To play the B Half-Diminished 7th chord on guitar, find the notes B, D, F, A across the fretboard.

The root B typically goes on the 6th or 5th string. Use the interactive fretboard above to see exact finger placement for this seventh chord shape.

What notes make up the Bm7b5 guitar chord?

The B Half-Diminished 7th guitar chord contains 4 notes: B, D, F, A.

These are derived from the half-diminished 7th interval formula applied to the root B.

What is the best guitar voicing for Bm7b5?

The most common guitar voicing for Bm7b5 uses a root position with B on the 6th or 5th string.

The exact frets depend on your preferred voicing — the interactive fretboard above shows a recommended open or barre position shape.

Is Bm7b5 a beginner-friendly guitar chord?

Bm7b5 has 4 notes, which may require more advanced finger stretching.

Start with the basic seventh shape and practice clean transitions.

What is a barre chord version of Bm7b5?

A barre chord version of Bm7b5 uses your index finger pressed across all strings at a specific fret, with the remaining fingers forming the chord shape.

The root B determines the barre position on the 6th or 5th string.

What are common chord progressions with Bm7b5 on guitar?

Bm7b5 is widely used in jazz ii–V–I turnarounds, blues progressions, and modal funk vamps.

How does Bm7b5 sound different on guitar vs piano?

The Bm7b5 chord contains the same notes (B, D, F, A) on both instruments.

On guitar, the voicing depends on string selection and fret position, creating a different timbre. Guitar chords often include string-specific articulations like hammer-ons and pull-offs.

Can I play Bm7b5 as an open chord on guitar?

Open voicings of Bm7b5 require B to be playable within the first 3 frets.

If open shapes aren't available, use a barre chord voicing instead.

What is the difference between the Bm7b5 chord on guitar and ukulele?

The Bm7b5 chord contains the same notes (B, D, F, A) on both instruments.

However, the guitar has 6 strings in EADGBE tuning while the ukulele has 4 strings in GCEA tuning, so the finger shapes are completely different.

How do I practice transitioning to and from Bm7b5 on guitar?

Practice moving between Bm7b5 and its neighboring chords in the key of B major: E and F#.

Use a metronome at a slow tempo (60 BPM) and focus on clean, simultaneous finger placement.