Em on piano: root position and inversions
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Root position E – G – B -
1st inversion G – B – E -
2nd inversion B – E – G
How to play Em on piano
- E is the white key just right of a group of two black keys. That is the root.
- Add G (minor 3rd above) and B (perfect 5th above): press E, G and B together.
- Right hand: thumb (1) on E, middle finger (3) on G, little finger (5) on B. Left hand: little finger (5), middle finger (3), thumb (1).
- For a smoother change between chords, try an inversion (the same notes with a different one at the bottom), shown above.
Finger numbers: 1 thumb to 5 little finger. Fingering varies with hand size; these are common defaults.
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 guitar and ukulele
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Em guitar chord 022000 -
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.