How to play the E minor chord on guitar
E minor (Em) in standard tuning (EADGBE). Play the shape 022000 from the low E string to the high E string. The chord tones are E, G, B, and the lowest sounding note is E.
Fingering chart
| String | Fret | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 6th (low E) | Open | E |
| 5th (A) | 2 | B |
| 4th (D) | 2 | E |
| 3rd (G) | Open | G |
| 2nd (B) | Open | B |
| 1st (high E) | Open | E |
Notes and intervals
Formula 1 b3 5. This shape sounds each chord tone.
| Note | Degree | Interval from E | In this shape |
|---|---|---|---|
| E | 1 | Root (0 semitones) | Yes |
| G | b3 | Minor 3rd (3 semitones) | Yes |
| B | 5 | Perfect 5th (7 semitones) | Yes |
Changing chords from Em
Em sounds six strings: two fretted positions all at fret 2, plus four open strings. The quickest changes leave fretted notes where they are, so the hand pivots instead of lifting off the neck. These are the chords in this library that share the most fretted notes with the Em shape.
- Em to E5: keep two fretted notes in place (5th string fret 2, 4th string fret 2), no new positions to fret.
- Em to E: keep two fretted notes in place (5th string fret 2, 4th string fret 2), one new position to fret.
- Em to Esus4: keep two fretted notes in place (5th string fret 2, 4th string fret 2), one new position to fret.
- Em to Em7: keep one fretted note in place (5th string fret 2), no new positions to fret.
Related chords
Relative major
- G: Relative major of E minor