How to play E Minor 13th 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: 040000
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 4.
- Let the 6th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
Shape 2: x79789 (from fret 7)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 3rd to 5th strings at fret 7 (a barre).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 9.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 8.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 9.
- Don't play the 6th string.
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 13th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| E | 1 (root) |
| G | ♭3 |
| B | 5 |
| D | ♭7 |
| F♯ | 9 |
| C♯ | 13 |
The formula for E Minor 13th (minor thirteenth) is 1 ♭3 5 ♭7 9 13: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use Em13
Minor 13th chords are a warm minor 11th with the major sixth on top. They suit modal jazz and neo-soul.
Other E chords
E, Em, E7, Emaj7, Em7, Esus2, Esus4, E°, E+, Eadd9, E6, Eø7
Other minor 13th chords on guitar
Cm13, C♯m13, Dm13, E♭m13, Fm13, F♯m13, Gm13, G♯m13, Am13, B♭m13, Bm13
Frequently asked questions
How do you play E Minor 13th on guitar?
The easiest Em13 shape on guitar is 040000 (Press the 5th string (A) at fret 4. Let the 6th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.)
What notes are in E Minor 13th?
E Minor 13th (Em13) contains the notes E G B D F♯ C♯. The formula is 1 ♭3 5 ♭7 9 13.
How many guitar shapes are there for Em13?
There are many. This page shows 2 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.