Em

E Minor

Also known as:Em
Notes
EGB
Intervals

Root - Minor 3rd - Perfect 5th

Formula

1 - b3 - 5

Family

Minor Chords

Chord Voicings

23 different ways to play Em

oooo
12
EADGBe
Position 1

Position 1

Difficulty

medium

Fret Span

1 frets

Fingering
-12---

E A D G B e

Notes Played
EGB

Common Progressions

Popular chord progressions featuring Em

Minor 2-5-1 (ii-V-i)

F#m7b5 - B7 - Em7
Jazz Minor

Andalusian Cadence

Em - C - D - B
Flamenco / Rock

Emotional Ballad (i-VI-III-VII)

Em - C - G - D
Pop / Rock

Chord Tips

Practical tips to make Em sound clean and effortless.

  • Let the 4 open strings ring for a fuller sound.
  • Keep your thumb relaxed behind the neck for smoother transitions.
  • Strum all six strings evenly for a balanced tone.
  • Aim for the bass note E on the lowest string you play.

Practice Guide

Build clean tone and smooth transitions with these quick exercises.

Daily Checklist

  • Fret close to the metal and apply steady pressure to avoid buzzing.
  • Practice switching between Em and F#m7b5 at a slow tempo.
  • Strum lightly, then increase volume once every note rings clean.
  • Use a metronome to keep timing consistent as you speed up.

Try This Progression

Use this progression to practice Em in context:

F#m7b5 - B7 - Em7

Start at a slow tempo, then increase the BPM once transitions feel smooth.