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E minor major 7th chord on ukulele (EmMaj7)
Also called or written EmMaj7, Eminmaj7, Emmaj7, EmM7, E Minor Sharp 7 or E Minor ♯7
E minor major 7th contains E, G, B, and D♯. The 9th fret voicing stretches the hand across three frets, making it a demanding grip.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 7
- Root positionE–G–B–D♯EmMaj79-11-11-10
- First inversionG–B–D♯–EEmMaj7/G8-7-7-7
- Second inversionB–D♯–E–GEmMaj7/B9-11-11-10
- Third inversionD♯–E–G–BEmMaj7/D♯0-3-0-2
How do you play an E minor major 7th chord on ukulele?
E minor major 7th is played at the 9th fret as 9 11 11 10: index finger on the G string at fret 9, ring finger on the C string at fret 11, pinky finger on the E string at fret 11 and middle finger on the A string at fret 10.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9 | 1 | E (1) |
| 3 (C) | 11 | 3 | B (5) |
| 2 (E) | 11 | 4 | D♯ (7) |
| 1 (A) | 10 | 2 | G (♭3) |
AdvancedThe stretch from the 9th fret on the G string to the 11th fret on the C and E strings challenges smaller hands.
Eminmaj7/D♯ inversion
E minor major 7th is played in open position as 0 3 0 2: middle finger on the C string at fret 3 and index finger on the A string at fret 2. The G and E strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (♭3) |
| 3 (C) | 3 | 2 | D♯ (7) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (1) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 1 | B (5) |
Eminmaj7/G inversion
E minor major 7th is played at the 7th fret as 8 7 7 7: barre your index finger across fret 7 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 8.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8 | 4 | D♯ (7) |
| 3 (C) | 7 | 1 (barre) | G (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 1 (barre) | B (5) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 1 (barre) | E (1) |
Why it sounds like that
E minor major 7th is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 7. The major 7th interval between E and D♯ gives the chord its tense, unresolved color. Compare it to E minor, which stops at the perfect 5th and sounds settled.
What goes wrong with E minor major 7th?
- Letting the G string buzz because the index finger is not close enough to the fret.
- Muting the A string with the palm while reaching for the 11th fret.
When to use it
E minor major 7th works as a passing chord in E minor progressions, such as E minor–E minor major 7th–E minor 7th. It suits jazz ballads and film noir textures where the raised 7th adds tension. Try it before E minor or E 5th.
Changing to and from E minor major 7th
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 7th fret gives D minor major 7th.
- From E minor major 7th, lift the pinky and ring finger to move to E minor.
Which voicing to use
The 9th fret voicing keeps E in the bass for a root-position sound. The Eminmaj7/G inversion places G in the bass, creating a different color, while the Eminmaj7/D♯ inversion puts D♯ in the bass for a leading-tone pull.
Other E chords
Common questions
How is E minor major 7th written?
E minor major 7th is written Emmaj7, Eminmaj7, or EmM7.
What mistake do players make with this shape?
Players often flatten the pinky and mute the E string. Keep the pinky arched and press with the fingertip.
How does E minor major 7th differ from E minor 7th?
E minor major 7th has a major 7th (D♯), while E minor 7th has a minor 7th (D). The major 7th creates a sharper, more dissonant sound.