Explore chords · Ukulele
E minor chord on ukulele (Em)
Also called or written Em or Emin
E minor is built from E, G, and B. The 2nd fret shape mutes the G string, which is a chord tone, to keep the bass note clear.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5
- Root positionE–G–BEm×-4-3-2
- First inversionG–B–EEm/G9-7-7-7
- Second inversionB–E–GEm/B12-11-12-10
How do you play an E minor chord on ukulele?
E minor is played at the 2nd fret as × 4 3 2: ring finger on the C string at fret 4, middle finger on the E string at fret 3 and index finger on the A string at fret 2. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 3 | E (1) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (♭3) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 1 | B (5) |
IntermediateMuting the G string while fretting three notes requires precise thumb control.
Emin/G inversion
E minor is played at the 7th fret as 9 7 7 7: barre your index finger across fret 7 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 9.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9 | 4 | E (1) |
| 3 (C) | 7 | 1 (barre) | G (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 1 (barre) | B (5) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 1 (barre) | E (1) |
Emin/B inversion
E minor is played at the 10th fret as 12 11 12 10: ring finger on the G string at fret 12, middle finger on the C string at fret 11, pinky finger on the E string at fret 12 and index finger on the A string at fret 10.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 12 | 3 | G (♭3) |
| 3 (C) | 11 | 2 | B (5) |
| 2 (E) | 12 | 4 | E (1) |
| 1 (A) | 10 | 1 | G (♭3) |
2nd fret · 4-4-3-2
E minor is played at the 2nd fret as 4 4 3 2: ring finger on the G string at fret 4, pinky finger on the C string at fret 4, middle finger on the E string at fret 3 and index finger on the A string at fret 2.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 3 | B (5) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 4 | E (1) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (♭3) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 1 | B (5) |
Why it sounds like that
E minor uses the formula 1, ♭3, 5. The ♭3 is G, which gives the chord its minor quality. Compare it with E major, where the third is G♯.
What goes wrong with E minor?
- The G string rings out, adding an extra G that muddies the voicing.
- The ring finger touches the E string, causing a buzz.
- The index finger is too far from the fret, making the A string sound dull.
When to use it
E minor is the vi chord in G major, appearing in progressions like G–D–E minor–C (I–V–vi–IV). It suits rock and pop. Try it with G major and C major.
Changing to and from E minor
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 1st fret gives E♭ minor.
- Sliding the shape up one fret to the 3rd fret gives F minor.
Which voicing to use
The 2nd fret voicing has E in the bass, while the Emin/G inversion puts G in the bass for a softer, less grounded sound. The Emin/B inversion places B in the bass, adding tension.
Other E chords
Common questions
How is E minor written?
E minor is written as Em, Emin, E−, or Emi.
Why is the G string muted in E minor if G is a chord tone?
The open G string would sound an octave below the fretted G on the C string, muddying the voicing. Muting it keeps the bass note E clear.
How does E minor differ from E major?
E minor lowers the third from G♯ to G, changing the chord from major to minor. The fifth, B, stays the same.