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E Minor Guitar Chord (Em)

E Minor (Em) is built from E, G, B, which is the 1P - 3m - 5P formula measured from the root E. This page shows 6 fingerings with fretboard diagrams.

Minor
Notes: E · G · BIntervals: 1P – 3m – 5P

Fingerings for Em

EmA at fret 2, D at fret 2
EmA at fret 3, D at fret 3
Emlow E muted, D at fret 3, G at fret 3, B at fret 2
Emlow E at fret 4, A at fret 2, B muted, high E muted
Emlow E muted, A muted, D at fret 1, G at fret 3, B at fret 4, high E at fret 2
Emlow E muted, A muted, D at fret 3

Notes in Em

  • E1P
  • G3m
  • B5P

How to play Em

E Minor Guitar Chord (Em) is darker and more introspective than its major counterpart.

Beginner tip

Let the barre or the low root ring out; a dull thud usually means a finger is touching a neighbouring string.

Practice idea

Pair it with the minor seventh and the relative major to hear the same key from both sides.

Em FAQ

What notes are in E Minor?
E Minor (Em) contains E, G, B. In interval terms that is 1P - 3m - 5P above the root E.
How do you play Em on guitar?
The most common shape here is "Em": A at fret 2, D at fret 2.
Is Em hard for beginners?
It sits in the minor family. Let the barre or the low root ring out; a dull thud usually means a finger is touching a neighbouring string.

Related chords