The E minor chord (Em) is made of the notes E, G and B. It is built from the root E with a minor third and a perfect fifth.
The minor chord has a darker, more melancholic color; it is the home chord of minor keys.
E minor
Notes: E – G – B
Guitar — positions on the neck
Piano — root position and inversions
Fingerings and positions
On guitar, this chord can be played in 5 ways along the neck. The lowest shape is an open chord (no barre), easier for beginners. Example fingering (from the low E string to the high E string, x = muted string): 022000. On piano, the right hand plays 3 notes, in root position or in an inversion.
Notes and intervals
Note
Interval
E
root
G
minor third
B
perfect fifth
In which keys? The E minor chord is the iii of C major, the ii of D major, the vi of G major, the i of E minor, the v of A minor and the iv of B minor.
The notes of the E minor chord (Em) are E, G and B.
How do you play the E minor chord on guitar?
On guitar, this chord can be played in 5 ways along the neck. The lowest shape is an open chord (no barre), easier for beginners. Example fingering (from the low E string to the high E string, x = muted string): 022000.
How is the E minor chord built?
The E minor chord (Em) is made of the notes E, G and B. It is built from the root E with a minor third and a perfect fifth.