The BBM11 chord, a beautiful and expressive addition to any guitarist's repertoire, might seem daunting at first glance. However, with a solid understanding of bar chords and a bit of practice, you'll be incorporating this jazzy, sophisticated chord into your playing in no time. This guide will break down exactly how to play the BBM11 bar chord, covering common questions and providing helpful tips for mastering this essential chord shape.
What is a BBM11 Chord?
The BBM11 (B flat major 11th) chord is an extended major chord. It's built from a B flat major triad (B♭, D, F) with the addition of the 9th (A), 11th (C), and sometimes even the 13th (E♭). This creates a rich, full sound with a complex harmonic texture. It's frequently used in jazz, blues, and even some pop styles to add a sophisticated and colorful harmonic element.
How to Play the BBM11 Bar Chord on Guitar
The most common way to play a BBM11 bar chord is using a barre across the 8th fret. Here's the fingering:
- Index Finger (1): Barre across the 8th fret, covering all six strings.
- Middle Finger (2): 10th fret on the A string (this is the 11th).
- Ring Finger (3): 10th fret on the D string (this adds another 11th).
- Pinky Finger (4): 12th fret on the high E string (This could be considered a 13th, adding even more richness).
Important Note: The fingering above gives you a fuller, richer sound. If this proves challenging, you can omit the pinky and simply use the index, middle, and ring fingers for a simplified version. Focus on clean execution even with a simplified version before adding complexity.
How do you play a BBM11 chord easily?
The key to playing the BBM11 easily lies in practice and proper hand positioning. Start by practicing the barre across the 8th fret with your index finger. Ensure your finger is flat and perpendicular to the fretboard, pressing down firmly and evenly across all strings. This ensures clear, ringing notes without buzzing. Break down the chord into smaller parts: Practice the barre itself, then add the middle finger, then the ring finger, and finally the pinky. Gradually build up your speed and accuracy.
What are some easier variations of the BBM11 chord?
You can simplify the BBM11 chord by omitting some of the higher notes. For instance, dropping the pinky (13th) makes it considerably easier while still retaining the characteristic BBM sound. You can also experiment with different voicings and inversions of the chord by moving the root to different strings or octaves. These simplified versions provide a stepping stone to the full version.
Can you play a BBM11 without a barre?
While the barre chord is the most common way to play a BBM11, it's possible to play open versions or different voicings that don't require a barre. However, these open voicings often won't have the same full, resonant sound as the barre chord version and will likely involve significantly more fingerings. Experimenting with these open voicings is a good exercise but the barre chord remains the most efficient method for this specific chord.
What songs use the BBM11 chord?
The BBM11 isn’t commonly featured in popular music due to its complex nature, but it's a chord frequently found in jazz standards and more complex instrumental compositions. Searching for "jazz guitar solos with BBM11" or similar queries in online music databases might yield relevant examples, though pinpointing a specific song is challenging as it’s often used within a chord progression rather than as a standalone chord.
By consistently practicing and focusing on correct hand position, you'll gain the confidence and skill necessary to add the rich BBM11 chord to your guitar playing. Remember to be patient and persistent, and soon you’ll be effortlessly incorporating this sophisticated chord into your musical expressions.
