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E Minor Chord

Em places a minor third (G) between E and B. It is i in its own minor key, while the same notes can serve as vi in the relative major.

  • Notes: E-G-B
  • Symbol: Em
  • i in E minor
  • Minor third
Switch chordEm

How to play an E minor chord

Notes: E - G - B · symbol Em

  • Root position

    E - G - B
    C4C5
    Right hand 1-3-5 · Left 5-3-1

  • 1st inversion

    G - B - E
    C4C5
    Right hand 1-2-5 · Left 5-3-1

  • 2nd inversion

    B - E - G
    C4C5
    Right hand 1-3-5 · Left 5-2-1

Where does E minor belong?

The three notes come from the E minor scale, so this chord can act as its home base.
Play the role cards to hear how its surrounding chords change the job it does; Diatonic Chords explains the basic numbered roles.

  • In E minorHome
    i

    The resting point of E minor. The major V before it makes the return feel final.

    EmiAmivBVEmi
  • In G majorThe relative minor
    vi

    Same notes as G major, a darker color. The vi in countless pop songs.

    GIEmviCIVDV
  • In D majorThe start of ii-V-I
    ii

    The first step of the most common move in jazz, heading to D.

    EmiiAVDI
  • In C majorA soft stand-in
    iii

    It shares two notes with C, so it can replace the I without leaving home.

    CIEmiiiFIVGV

Progressions to try

  • EmAmBEm

    The major V gives this minor-key return a clear pull into Em.

  • EmCGD

    The bVI and bVII chords keep the loop moving without the strong V-to-i return.

  • GEmCD

    Here Em is vi in G major, a relative-minor turn away from the major tonic.

  • EmAD

    Em begins a ii-V-I in D major; follow the bass as it reaches the final chord.

Which shape should you use?

On guitar, start with the open 022000 grip. Let the open strings ring and keep any strings marked x silent. The x79987 shape gives you another position when the neighboring chords sit elsewhere on the neck.

On ukulele, the open shape 0432 is the easiest place to start. The 4777 grip moves the chord to another register.

On piano, play E-G-B. Move E up an octave to reach the first inversion, G-B-E; the notes remain the same while the lowest voice changes.

What are the inversions?

E is the root, G the minor third three semitones above it, and B the fifth seven semitones above it.

  • Root position: E-G-B, with E lowest.
  • First inversion: G-B-E, written Em/G if G is lowest in the whole arrangement.
  • Second inversion: B-E-G, written Em/B if B is lowest in the whole arrangement.

A slash chord names the note in the bass, not merely the lowest note under one hand. Chord Inversions shows how to read that distinction.

How does E major differ?

Keep E and B in place, then raise G to G sharp. That single change turns Em into E. Try that one-note change on piano, then use the comparer to hear it in the full chord. See E for the other chord's full spelling and roles.

  • Em

    E - G - B
    C4C5

    E minor

  • E

    E - G# - B
    C4C5

    E major

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