What is E Minor?
The E Minor guitar chord is formed by the notes E – G – B and is played using the fingering 022000. It’s a minor chord commonly used in Em-C-G-D.
E Minor Chord Diagram
Standard Position
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 fingertips close to the fret wire using the diagram 022000.
- Arch fingers so they don’t touch adjacent strings; keep thumb behind the neck.
- Pick each string to check for buzz or mute; adjust pressure and curl.
- Strum slow down-strums; add down–down–up–up–down–up when clean.
Pro Tip: Practice chord changes with a metronome at 70–90 BPM for one-minute rounds.
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.
Common Substitutions for E Minor
Chord Family: C Major
E Minor functions as iii in the key of C Major.
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!