Em Chord on Guitar (E minor)
Em is a minor chord with a darker, sad or reflective sound. It contains the notes E – G – B (root + minor third + perfect fifth). Below you will find 3 ways to play it on guitar.
How to play Em
Position 1: 0 2 2 0 0 0
- low E: open
- A: fret 2
- D: fret 2
- G: open
- B: open
- high E: open
Position 2: x 7 9 9 8 7
- low E: don't play
- A: fret 7
- D: fret 9
- G: fret 9
- B: fret 8
- high E: fret 7
Position 3: x x 2 4 5 3
- low E: don't play
- A: don't play
- D: fret 2
- G: fret 4
- B: fret 5
- high E: fret 3
The first shape is an open chord: it uses open strings, so it is the easiest way to play Em and rings out the most. Strum only the strings that are not marked with an x.
Chord theory
A minor chord differs from a major chord by only one note: the third is lowered by a half step. That single change gives the chord its darker, more emotional character.
Degrees: 1 = E, ♭3 = G, 5 = B
Using Em in songs
Minor chords appear on the 2nd, 3rd and 6th degrees of a major key. The 6th-degree minor chord (the relative minor) is especially common in ballads and pop progressions.
Relative major: G