All 5 ways to play Em7 on guitar
-
022030 open position -
020000 open position -
022433 open position -
x79787 at the 7th fret -
x-x-x-9-8-10 at the 8th fret
Diagrams: strings run from the lowest on the left; X = don't play, O = open string, numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger).
How to play Em7 on guitar
Main shape: 022030 (open position).
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 2nd fret of the A (5th) string.
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 2nd fret of the D (4th) string.
- Put your little finger (4) on the 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Let the low E (6th), G (3rd) and high E (1st) strings ring open (marked O).
- Strum all 6 strings.
Em7 notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| E | 1 | root |
| G | ♭3 | minor 3rd |
| B | 5 | perfect 5th |
| D | ♭7 | minor 7th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: Em7/G (1st inversion), Em7/B (2nd inversion) and Em7/D (3rd inversion).
Em7 or EM7? A small "m" means minor: Em7 is E minor 7th (E, G, B and D). A capital "M", as in EM7, means major 7th: the same chord as Emaj7.
Em7 on piano and ukulele
-
Em7 piano chord E – G – B – D -
Em7 on ukulele 0202
Which keys use Em7?
Em7 is one of the basic chords of 6 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| C major | Em7 | iii7 | tonic or dominant |
| A minor | Em7 | v7 | dominant |
| G major | Em7 | vi7 | tonic |
| E minor | Em7 | i7 | tonic |
| D major | Em7 | ii7 | predominant |
| B minor | Em7 | iv7 | predominant |
Progressions with Em7
- ii–V–I in D major: Em7 – A7 – Dmaj7 A cadence that is extremely common in jazz.
- iiø–V–i in E minor: F♯m7♭5 – B7 – Em7 The minor ii–V–i of jazz.