How to play E Minor 9th 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: 020002
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 2.
- Let the 6th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd strings ring open.
Shape 2: xx2032
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 3.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 2.
- Let the 3rd string ring open.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
Shape 3: x7577x (from fret 5)
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 7.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 5.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 7.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 7.
- Don't play the 6th, 1st 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 9th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| E | 1 (root) |
| G | ♭3 |
| B | 5 |
| D | ♭7 |
| F♯ | 9 |
The formula for E Minor 9th (minor ninth) is 1 ♭3 5 ♭7 9: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use Em9
Minor 9th chords are smooth and deep. Common in R&B, neo-soul and jazz, they give a minor chord a warm, spacious feel.
Other E chords
E, Em, E7, Emaj7, Em7, Esus2, Esus4, E°, E+, Eadd9, E6, Eø7
Other minor 9th chords on guitar
Cm9, C♯m9, Dm9, E♭m9, Fm9, F♯m9, Gm9, G♯m9, Am9, B♭m9, Bm9
Frequently asked questions
How do you play E Minor 9th on guitar?
The easiest Em9 shape on guitar is 020002 (Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2. Press the 1st string (e) at fret 2. Let the 6th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd strings ring open.)
What notes are in E Minor 9th?
E Minor 9th (Em9) contains the notes E G B D F♯. The formula is 1 ♭3 5 ♭7 9.
How many guitar shapes are there for Em9?
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.
check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.