The E minor 7 chord (Em7) is made of the notes E, G, B and D. It is built from the root E with a minor third, a perfect fifth and a minor seventh.
The minor 7 chord is smooth and a little melancholic; you hear it everywhere in jazz, soul and pop.
E minor 7
Notes: E – G – B – D
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): 020000. On piano, the right hand plays 4 notes, in root position or in an inversion.
Notes and intervals
Note
Interval
E
root
G
minor third
B
perfect fifth
D
minor seventh
In which keys? The E minor 7 chord is the iii7 of C major, the ii7 of D major, the vi7 of G major, the i7 of E minor, the v7 of A minor and the iv7 of B minor.
The notes of the E minor 7 chord (Em7) are E, G, B and D.
How do you play the E minor 7 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): 020000.
How is the E minor 7 chord built?
The E minor 7 chord (Em7) is made of the notes E, G, B and D. It is built from the root E with a minor third, a perfect fifth and a minor seventh.