How to play E Minor 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: 022000
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Let the 6th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
Shape 2: xx2000
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Let the 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
Shape 3: x79987 (from fret 7)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 5th strings at fret 7 (a barre).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 9.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 9.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 8.
- 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
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| E | 1 (root) |
| G | ♭3 |
| B | 5 |
The formula for E Minor (minor triad) is 1 ♭3 5: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use Em
Minor chords bring emotion and tension. They are the other main building block of songwriting and are used for sadder, moodier or more serious passages.
The chord belongs to the key of E minor; see the E natural minor scale for the other chords in the key.
Other E chords
E, E7, Emaj7, Em7, Esus2, Esus4, E°, E+, Eadd9, E6, Eø7
Other minor chords on guitar
Cm, C♯m, Dm, E♭m, Fm, F♯m, Gm, G♯m, Am, B♭m, Bm
Frequently asked questions
How do you play E Minor on guitar?
The easiest Em shape on guitar is 022000 (Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2. Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2. Let the 6th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.)
What notes are in E Minor?
E Minor (Em) contains the notes E G B. The formula is 1 ♭3 5.
How many guitar shapes are there for Em?
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 on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.