Em chordE minor
Em (E minor) has a sad, soft, emotional sound. Notes: E – G – B.
How to play Em
- String 6: open
- String 5: fret 2, finger 1 (index)
- String 4: fret 2, finger 2 (middle)
- String 3: open
- String 2: open
- String 1: open
× muted string · ○ open string · numbers are fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 pinky)
💻 Learn it by playing in the app
Open the app →The chord check listens and tells you which string is muted
Chord structure
| Note | E | G | B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interval | 1 (root) | ♭3 (minor 3rd) | 5 (perfect 5th) |
Other ways to play Em
Open position
Fret 2 · D shape
Fret 7 · A shape
Fret 12 · E shape
Tips
- Press with your fingertips as close to the fret as you can; you need less force for a clean sound.
- Pick each string on its own and listen for muted strings; a finger touching the next string is the usual cause.
- Press, release, press again: if you can form Em cleanly 20 times in a minute, you have it.