Open version
Let every string ring, then check that both fretted notes are clean.
Guitar chord
E Minor Guitar Chord
E Minor is a minor triad built from E, G, B. vi in G major, ii in D major, and i in E minor.
- Beginner
- Minor triad
- 1-b3-5
- open and barre shapes
E Minor at a glance
Start with the notes and a practical fingering before changing voicings.
| Chord detail | What it means on guitar |
|---|---|
| Notes in the chord | E, G, B |
| Basic fingering | Open Em: 022000, usually with middle and ring fingers on A2 and D2. |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Common use | vi in G major, ii in D major, and i in E minor. |
Fingering and voicings
Choose the version that keeps the progression clean in time.
Barre version
Use an Am-shape barre at the 7th fret for another common Em voicing.
Easier version
Em is already one of the easiest full chords; use 02200x if the high E is too bright.
Alternate voicing
Em7 (022030 or 020000) adds a softer color for G-family progressions.
Theory for E Minor
The chord name tells you the interval recipe; the key tells you its job.
| Concept | Value |
|---|---|
| Formula | 1-b3-5 |
| Notes | E, G, B |
| Chord family | Minor triad |
| Diatonic keys where it appears | E minor, G major, D major, C major, A minor |
Common progressions using Em
Use these pages to hear the chord inside real movement instead of as an isolated shape.
Practice it in context
Open StrumForge to place Em inside a progression with diagrams, playback, and scale context.
- StrumForge app Open the main guitar-first progression generator.
- Guitar chord progression generator Generate playable four-chord loops with diagrams and groove playback.
- Guitar practice app Use the native apps for daily practice, saved ideas, and longer sessions.
- Features See the progression, playback, diagram, and scale tools in one place.
FAQ
Short answers for players using this page as a practice or writing reference.
What notes are in E Minor?
E Minor contains E, G, B.
What is the easiest E Minor guitar shape?
Em is already one of the easiest full chords; use 02200x if the high E is too bright.
Is E Minor a beginner chord?
Beginner is the practical difficulty. Use the easier version if the full voicing slows the progression down.
What progressions use E Minor?
Common examples include I-V-vi-IV Guitar Chord Progression, I-vi-IV-V Guitar Chord Progression, vi-IV-I-V Guitar Chord Progression, Minor vi-IV-I-V Guitar Chord Progression.