How to play E Minor 11th on guitar
These shapes are for standard tuning (E A D G B E). The first is the easiest, and the others sit in different positions on the neck. Playing in another tuning? Pick it above the diagrams and the shapes are redrawn for it.
Shape 1: 000000
- Let the 6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
Shape 2: 000003
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 3.
- Let the 6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd strings ring open.
Shape 3: (12)(12)(12)(12)(12)(12) (from fret 12)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 6th strings at fret 12 (a barre).
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the lowest (thickest) to the highest, with x meaning that string is not played and 0 meaning it rings open.
Notes in E Minor 11th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| E | 1 (root) |
| G | ♭3 |
| B | 5 |
| D | ♭7 |
| F♯ | 9 |
| A | 11 |
The formula for E Minor 11th (minor eleventh) is 1 ♭3 5 ♭7 9 11: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use Em11
Minor 11th chords are deep, open and soulful, common in modal jazz, neo-soul and funk.
Other E chords
E, Em, E7, Emaj7, Em7, Esus2, Esus4, E°, E+, Eadd9, E6, Eø7
Other minor 11th chords on guitar
Cm11, C♯m11, Dm11, E♭m11, Fm11, F♯m11, Gm11, G♯m11, Am11, B♭m11, Bm11
Frequently asked questions
How do you play E Minor 11th on guitar?
The easiest Em11 shape on guitar is 000000 (Let the 6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.)
What notes are in E Minor 11th?
E Minor 11th (Em11) contains the notes E G B D F♯ A. The formula is 1 ♭3 5 ♭7 9 11.
How many guitar shapes are there for Em11?
There are many. This page shows 3 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
See E Minor 11th on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.