All 4 ways to play E#m7 on guitar
-
131111 at the 1st fret -
xx3544 at the 3rd fret -
x-8-10-8-9-8 at the 8th fret -
x-x-x-10-9-11 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 E#m7 on guitar
Main shape: 131111 (at the 1st fret).
- Lay your index finger (1) flat across the strings from the low E (6th) to the high E (1st) string at the 1st fret (a barre).
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 3rd fret of the A (5th) string.
- Strum all 6 strings.
E#m7 notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| E♯ (= F) | 1 | root |
| G♯ | ♭3 | minor 3rd |
| B♯ (= C) | 5 | perfect 5th |
| D♯ | ♭7 | minor 7th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: E♯m7/G♯ (1st inversion), E♯m7/B♯ (2nd inversion) and E♯m7/D♯ (3rd inversion).
E#m7 or E♯M7? A small "m" means minor: E♯m7 is E♯ minor 7th (E♯, G♯, B♯ and D♯). A capital "M", as in E♯M7, means major 7th: the same chord as E♯maj7.
Easier ways to play E#m7
- In rock songs, the E♯5 power chord (E♯ and B♯ only) can stand in: it has no 3rd, so it is neither major nor minor.
E#m7 on piano and ukulele
-
E♯m7 on piano E♯ – G♯ – B♯ – D♯ -
E♯m7 on ukulele 1313
Which keys use E#m7?
E♯m7 is one of the basic chords of 6 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| E♭ major | Fm7 | ii7 | predominant |
| C minor | Fm7 | iv7 | predominant |
| A♭ major | Fm7 | vi7 | tonic |
| F minor | Fm7 | i7 | tonic |
| D♭ major | Fm7 | iii7 | tonic or dominant |
| B♭ minor | Fm7 | v7 | dominant |
Progressions with E#m7
- ii–V–I in E♭ major: Fm7 – B♭7 – E♭maj7 A cadence that is extremely common in jazz.
- iiø–V–i in F minor: Gm7♭5 – C7 – Fm7 The minor ii–V–i of jazz.