Em guitar chord
The Em chord (E minor) is built from the notes E, G and B, formula 1–b3–5. It appears in D major (as ii), C major (as iii) and G major (as vi).
- Notes
- E G B
- Type
- minor
- Level
- Beginner
OpenShape 1 of 3
022000How to play Em
The standard open Em shape is 022000. It needs 2 fingers and stays in the first few frets, so it is one of the chords most players learn early.
Darker and more reflective than a major chord, because the third is lowered by a half step.
Other ways to play it
Songs with Em
- Doxology (Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow)GDEmC
- Loch LomondGCDEm
- Whiskey in the JarGEmCD
- Battle Hymn of the RepublicGCA7D7Em
- Home on the RangeGCA7D7Em
- O Come, O Come, EmmanuelEmAmDGB7
- Wayfaring StrangerEmAmB7CG
- What Child Is This?AmCGEmE
Questions
What notes are in the Em chord?
Em contains E, G and B. Its formula is 1–b3–5.
Is Em hard to play on guitar?
No. The open shape (022000) is beginner-friendly and doesn't need a barre.
What songs use the Em chord?
In our songbook, Doxology (Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow), Loch Lomond, Whiskey in the Jar and 14 more songs use Em.