The E minor (Em) chord is one of the dynamic chords in the guitarist’s arsenal. It is easy to play, and the chord sounds excellent. The chord is as popular and widely used as chords like C major and G major scale on guitar. We use the E minor in practically every style of music.
There are many ways to play the E minor chord, but this lesson will show you how to play the two most widely used positions.
Because it is a minor chord, it has a sad feeling instead of a major chord with a happy feel. You can compare E minor and E major on your guitar to hear the difference. For a more general overview, you can revisit our page on the guitar string notes.
Songwriters often write sad songs in minor keys, while joyous songs are written in major keys. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, although it is pretty standard.
Note and Intervals of the E Minor Chord
To form an E minor chord, you simply combine a minor third and major third. The interval between the notes E and G is one and a half tones also called a minor third. The interval between G and B is two tones, which are also called a major third.
Remember that a standard chord is made up of three notes: the 1st (root), 3rd, and 5th intervals.
If you are familiar with minor chords, you’ll remember that what makes a chord minor is the flat 3rd interval. That being said, the minor chord uses the 1, ♭3, and 5 to form its unique structure.
With E minor, this means the notes would be E, G, and B. From E to G is a minor 3rd (M3). Also, from G to B is a major third. What differentiates a minor chord from a major chord is the flat third.
How to Play the E Minor Chord Open Position
In standard E tuning, you need only two fingers to play the E minor chord. Although you need only two fingers, you can strum all the strings. To play the E minor open position:
- Place your second finger on the second fret of the fifth (A) string
- Place your third finger on the second fret of the fourth (D) string.
Another way to look at playing the Em chord is to look at the E major chord. The difference between the E major chord and the E minor chord is that you simply remove your first finger from the third string on the first fret
Go ahead and strum all six strings, starting from the low E string. Use a nice easy strumming pattern to get used to the chord.
Once you are comfortable with this chord, start switching between other (easy) open chords. I like to build songs using E minor, C major, and D major. Go ahead and play through each of these chords – be creative.
How to Play the E Minor Barre Chord (7th position)
- Place your first finger across all of the strings on the seventh fret.
- Place your second finger on the eighth fret of the second (B) string.
- Place your third finger on the ninth fret of the fourth (D) string.
- Place your fourth finger on the ninth fret of the third (G) string
Strum all six strings and play a nice up and down strumming pattern.
You will use your index finger to barre the 7th fret. You then use your index finger, middle finger, and ring fingers to create the chord formation that looks like A minor. The only difference is that it will be on the ninth fret. Here’s what it will look like:
At a point, you will be playing songs that require you to be higher up on the neck of the guitar using barre chords. This is why you should strive to get comfortable with the E minor barre chord at the 7th position.
If you are having trouble with barre chords, you will need to keep working at it. Barre chords are essential for playing guitar. The more you play them, your finger strength will grow, and it will be as easy as an open chord.
Useful Tip
When you get comfortable with the E minor barre chord, practice going up and down the guitar neck, maintaining the same formation.
Strum to hear the different minor chords at each position. This is a trick of playing different minor chords. As you advance in guitar playing, you’ll come to hear the phrase “CAGED system.”
For example, this same formation at the 5th position becomes an A-minor chord. At the third position, it’s a G minor. It goes on and on.