Em7b5 guitar chord
The Em7b5 chord (E half-diminished) is built from the notes E, G, Bb and D, formula 1–b3–b5–b7. It appears in F major (as viiø7).
- Notes
- E G Bb D
- Type
- half-diminished
- Level
- Barre chord
Fret 7Shape 1 of 3
x7878xHow to play Em7b5
The easiest Em7b5 shape is x7878x, starting around fret 7. Mute any strings marked x so only chord tones sound.
Dark and jazzy. In minor keys it often leads to a dominant 7th chord.
Other ways to play it
Questions
What notes are in the Em7b5 chord?
Em7b5 contains E, G, Bb and D. Its formula is 1–b3–b5–b7.
Is Em7b5 hard to play on guitar?
It is harder than a basic open chord. The most common shape is x7878x.
What can I play instead of Em7b5?
Edim is the closest simpler chord. It keeps the same root and basic character, so it works when Em7b5 is too hard or too busy.