Also written Em or Emin
E minor contains the notes E, G, and B. This open-position shape is a beginner-friendly four-string voicing with all strings sounding.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
E minor is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, with the ♭3 (G) giving it its minor quality. The interval from E to G is a minor 3rd, and from E to B is a perfect 5th. Compared to E major, the third is lowered by one semitone.
E minor is the vi chord in G major, appearing in progressions like G–D–Em–C (I–V–vi–IV). It suits rock, folk, and pop lines where a darker color is needed without leaving the key.
The open position puts the root E in the bass, giving a solid, centered sound. For a lighter feel, use the Emin/G inversion, which places the third G in the bass and softens the chord's attack.
E minor is played in open position as 0 2 2 0: index finger on the A string at fret 2 and middle finger on the D string at fret 2. The E and G strings ring open.
Tip — The two-fret stretch between the open strings and the fretted notes is minimal, making this a comfortable first chord.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | open | — | E (1) |
| 3 (A) | 2 | 1 | B (5) |
| 2 (D) | 2 | 2 | E (1) |
| 1 (G) | open | — | G (♭3) |
E minor is played at the 12th fret as 12 14 14 12: index finger on the E string at fret 12, ring finger on the A string at fret 14, pinky finger on the D string at fret 14 and middle finger on the G string at fret 12.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 12 | 1 | E (1) |
| 3 (A) | 14 | 3 | B (5) |
| 2 (D) | 14 | 4 | E (1) |
| 1 (G) | 12 | 2 | G (♭3) |
E minor is played in open position as 3 2 2 0: ring finger on the E string at fret 3, index finger on the A string at fret 2 and middle finger on the D string at fret 2. The G string rings open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3 | 3 | G (♭3) |
| 3 (A) | 2 | 1 | B (5) |
| 2 (D) | 2 | 2 | E (1) |
| 1 (G) | open | — | G (♭3) |
E minor is played at the 2nd fret as 3 2 2 4: ring finger on the E string at fret 3, index finger on the A string at fret 2, middle finger on the D string at fret 2 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 4.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3 | 3 | G (♭3) |
| 3 (A) | 2 | 1 | B (5) |
| 2 (D) | 2 | 2 | E (1) |
| 1 (G) | 4 | 4 | B (5) |
E minor is played in open position as × 2 2 0: index finger on the A string at fret 2 and middle finger on the D string at fret 2. The G string rings open. The E string stays muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (A) | 2 | 1 | B (5) |
| 2 (D) | 2 | 2 | E (1) |
| 1 (G) | open | — | G (♭3) |
E minor lowers the third from G♯ to G, changing the chord's quality from bright to somber. The fifth and root remain the same.
E natural minor and E minor pentatonic are the most direct choices. The blues scale adds a ♭5 for a grittier sound.
The open-position shape uses individual fingers, not a barre. The Emin/G inversion at the 3rd fret is also beginner-friendly.