How to play E Minor 7th 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: 020000
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2.
- Let the 6th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
Shape 2: 050000
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 5.
- Let the 6th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
Shape 3: xx2030
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 3.
- Let the 3rd, 1st strings ring open.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
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 7th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| E | 1 (root) |
| G | ♭3 |
| B | 5 |
| D | ♭7 |
The formula for E Minor 7th (minor seventh) is 1 ♭3 5 ♭7: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use Em7
Minor 7th chords are mellow and soulful. They are everywhere in jazz, R&B and neo-soul, and make a softer alternative to a plain minor chord.
Other E chords
E, Em, E7, Emaj7, Esus2, Esus4, E°, E+, Eadd9, E6, Eø7
Other minor 7th chords on guitar
Cm7, C♯m7, Dm7, E♭m7, Fm7, F♯m7, Gm7, G♯m7, Am7, B♭m7, Bm7
Frequently asked questions
How do you play E Minor 7th on guitar?
The easiest Em7 shape on guitar is 020000 (Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2. Let the 6th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.)
What notes are in E Minor 7th?
E Minor 7th (Em7) contains the notes E G B D. The formula is 1 ♭3 5 ♭7.
How many guitar shapes are there for Em7?
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 7th on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.