How to play E Minor 6th 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: 042000
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 4.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Let the 6th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
Shape 2: xx2020
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2.
- Let the 3rd, 1st strings ring open.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
Shape 3: x75657 (from fret 5)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 2nd to 4th strings at fret 5 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 7.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 6.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 7.
- 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 6th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| E | 1 (root) |
| G | ♭3 |
| B | 5 |
| C♯ | 6 |
The formula for E Minor 6th (minor 6) is 1 ♭3 5 6: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use Em6
Minor 6th chords are bittersweet and cinematic. They are used for minor key endings and in gypsy jazz and bossa nova.
Other E chords
E, Em, E7, Emaj7, Em7, Esus2, Esus4, E°, E+, Eadd9, E6, Eø7
Other minor 6th chords on guitar
Cm6, C♯m6, Dm6, E♭m6, Fm6, F♯m6, Gm6, G♯m6, Am6, B♭m6, Bm6
Frequently asked questions
How do you play E Minor 6th on guitar?
The easiest Em6 shape on guitar is 042000 (Press the 5th string (A) at fret 4. Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2. Let the 6th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.)
What notes are in E Minor 6th?
E Minor 6th (Em6) contains the notes E G B C♯. The formula is 1 ♭3 5 6.
How many guitar shapes are there for Em6?
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 6th on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.