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Em Guitar Chord

E minor (Em) is made of the notes E G B. Here are 3 ways to play it on guitar, starting with the easiest.

How to play Em on guitar

  1. Shape 1

    Open position

    1 2 E B E G B E

    022000

  2. Shape 2

    Barre at fret 12

    12fr 1 3 4 E B E G B E

    12-14-14-12-12-12

  3. Shape 3

    Barre at fret 7

    7fr 1 3 4 2 E B E G B

    x79987

Notes in Em

Formula 1 ♭3 5
DegreeNote
1E
♭3G
5B

Shape 1 step by step

  1. Put your index finger on string 5 at fret 2.
  2. Put your middle finger on string 4 at fret 2.
  3. Let strings 6, 3, 2, 1 ring open.
  4. Strum from string 6 to string 1.

Shape 2 step by step

  1. Lay your index finger flat across strings 6 to 1 at fret 12.
  2. Put your ring finger on string 5 at fret 14.
  3. Put your little finger on string 4 at fret 14.
  4. Strum from string 6 to string 1.

Tune your guitar first

A chord only sounds right when your instrument is in tune. Check your strings with the free online tuner before you practise. Open the guitar tuner

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the Em chord?

E minor has the notes E G B. Its formula is 1 ♭3 5. The numbers are steps of the major scale, counted from the root.

What is the easiest way to play Em on guitar?

Start with shape 1 (open position), written as 022000 from string 6 to string 1. Here x means you don’t play that string and 0 means it rings open.

What is the difference between Em and E?

Em has the notes E G B, and E has E G♯ B. The only difference is that Em has G where E has G♯.

Minor chords in every key

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