All 4 ways to play Em on guitar
-
022000 open position -
022453 open position -
x79987 at the 7th fret -
12-10-9-9-x-x at the 9th 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 Em on guitar
Main shape: 022000 (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.
- Let the low E (6th), G (3rd), B (2nd) and high E (1st) strings ring open (marked O).
- Strum all 6 strings.
Em notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| E | 1 | root |
| G | ♭3 | minor 3rd |
| B | 5 | perfect 5th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: Em/G (1st inversion) and Em/B (2nd inversion).
Em on piano and ukulele
-
Em piano chord E – G – B -
Em on ukulele 0432
Which keys use Em?
Em 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 | Em | iii | tonic or dominant |
| A minor | Em | v | dominant |
| G major | Em | vi | tonic |
| E minor | Em | i | tonic |
| D major | Em | ii | predominant |
| B minor | Em | iv | predominant |
Progressions with Em
- I–V–vi–IV in G major: G – D – Em – C The four-chord pop progression (also called the Axis progression).
- vi–IV–I–V in G major: Em – C – G – D The same four chords, starting on the minor vi.
- I–vi–IV–V in G major: G – Em – C – D The '50s or doo-wop progression.
- I–IV–vi–V in G major: G – C – Em – D The four chords of I–V–vi–IV in another order.
- I–iii–IV–iv in C major: C – Em – F – Fm Ends on the minor iv, borrowed from the minor key.