Chords in the Key of B Minor
In the key of B minor the tonic (I), sub-dominant (IV) and the dominant 7th (V7) chords are Bm, Em and F#7 respectively. The F#7 chord involves the use of a full bar (covering all six strings) at the 2nd fret. The full bar is notated by the letter B, followed by the fret number at which it is located.
Even though the Bm chord does not contain the F# note on the 6th string all 6 strings are barred. This fingering is convenient when changing to or from chords which require the 6th string to be played. e.g. in Ex. 93 bar 3-4 i.e. F#7–Bm.
Photo 37: The Full Bar
F#7 chord, 3rd and 4th fingers not used.
Make sure the first finger is perfectly straight and is placed close to the fret. (photo. 37). The wrist should not be too arched and the thumb placed comfortably under the first finger.
In the following arpeggio exercise leave the first finger bar in position for both the F#7 and Bm chords (bars 3 and 4).
Notice use of the note E in the F#7 chord which requires ima to pluck the 4th, 3rd and 2nd strings respectively.
Playing notes: Etude in B minor is an arpeggio study and as such you should hold chord shapes wherever possible (e.g. in bar 1 hold a B minor chord) . The line played by p is indicated by the note stems pointing downwards, as previously discussed. In bars 1 to 6 the third finger acts as a pivot, remaining on the F# note. Remember to always look out for pivot and slide fingers in arpeggio studies.
Playing notes: Minuet in B minor uses the full bar in bars 1, 7-8, 17 and again in bars 23-24. These sections will be quite difficult, so practice them separately, commencing from the bar before.
Be careful with your timing. particularly in the bars involving dotted quarter note and eighth note combinations (e.g. bar 5).
