E Minor Guitar Chord

The easiest guitar chord - Only 2 fingers needed! Perfect starting point for beginners

Difficulty:
022000

E Minor Chord Diagram

Standard Position

022000
Notes: E - G - B

6th (E) string: Open

5th (A) string: 2th fret

4th (D) string: 2th fret

3rd (G) string: Open

2nd (B) string: Open

1st (E) string: Open

How to Play E Minor

Place your fingers according to the diagram above. Each number represents which fret to press, and 'x' means don't play that string.

Pro Tip: Press firmly just behind the frets, not on top of them, for the clearest sound.

E Minor Variations

Em (Standard)

022000

The easiest chord - only 2 fingers needed

Em7

020000

Even easier - just one finger! Great for beginners

Em9

022002

Add 9th for modern, open sound

Em(add9)

024000

Alternative Em9 voicing with different color

Popular Songs Using E Minor

Famous Examples:

  • Smoke on the Water
  • Nothing Else Matters
  • Zombie

More Hits:

  • Wonderwall
  • Perfect

Common Chord Progressions with E Minor

Em-C-G-D

The vi-IV-I-V progression in G major - incredibly popular

Em-Am-D-G

Classic minor progression with resolution to major

Em-G-Em-G

Descending progression perfect for rock ballads

Practice Tips for E Minor

1. Perfect First Chord

Em is often the first chord beginners learn. Use middle finger (2nd fret A), ring finger (2nd fret D).

2. Light Touch

You don't need to press too hard - just enough to get clear sound.

3. Finger Independence

Practice lifting and placing fingers one at a time to build dexterity.

4. Easy Transitions

Em to G is very easy (add one finger), Em to C is common, Em to D is medium difficulty.

Music Theory Behind E Minor

Notes in E Minor: E - G - B

Scale: E - F# - G - A - B - C - D - E

Key Signature: 1 sharp (F#)

Relative Major: G major

E minor is the relative minor of G major, sharing the same key signature (one sharp). The chord uses all six strings, creating a rich, full sound. It's built from the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of the E minor scale.

Master E Minor Today!

E Minor is perfect for beginners. Practice daily and you'll have it mastered in no time!