The Em guitar chord is one of the most fundamental and easiest chords that every guitar learner should know. With a simple finger placement involving just two fingers and its distinctively melancholic sound, the Em chord serves as a foundation for many famous songs and helps players develop the skill to transition between chords quickly and smoothly.
How to play Em Guitar Chord
The Em guitar chord is a common and relatively easy chord to play. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play the Em chord on the guitar:
Position Your Fingers:
- Place your middle finger (2nd finger) on the 2nd fret of the A string (5th string).
- Place your ring finger (3rd finger) on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string).
Strumming:
- Strum all six strings. The low E string (6th string) is open (not fretted), as are the G (3rd string), B (2nd string), and high E (1st string).
Here’s a visual representation of the Em chord:
Steps to Practice the Em Chord
Place Your Fingers:
- Make sure your fingers are pressing down on the strings firmly enough to get a clear sound but not too hard to cause discomfort.
Strum the Chord:
- Strum all six strings evenly. Listen to each string to ensure it rings out clearly.
Adjust if Necessary:
- If any strings sound muted or buzzy, adjust the positioning of your fingers. Ensure your fingers are pressing down in the middle of the fret and not too close to the fret wire.
Practice:
- Practice transitioning from other chords to the Em chord. Common chords that pair well with Em are G, C, D, and Am.
With practice, your fingers will become more accustomed to the positioning, and you’ll be able to play the Em guitar chord smoothly and clearly.
5 Ways of the Em Guitar Chord
In our previous lessons, we’ve established that a minor triad consists of three fundamental notes: the root, the minor third, and the fifth. Specifically, for an E minor triad, these notes are E (the root), G (the minor third), and B (the fifth), as illustrated in Example 1.
On guitar, the E minor chord is commonly played using the open position shape depicted in Example 2, which incorporates three Es, two Bs, and one G. This shape maximizes the utilization of the guitar’s open strings in standard tuning. You can try playing the chord with your second and third fingers on strings 5 and 4, as indicated in notation, or opt for your first and second fingers, as demonstrated in the video. Example 3 showcases a leaner and less conventional E minor shape, where only the note E is doubled.
An E minor barre chord can be formed in the seventh position, as shown in Example 4a. You’re welcome to include the low open E string in this shape for a fuller sound. Alternatively, you can simplify the chord by playing only the top three notes, as illustrated in Example 4b.
While it’s effortless to play a full E minor barre chord at the 12th fret on an electric guitar, this might be challenging or impossible on an acoustic guitar without a cutaway. However, you can still play the top three notes of an E minor chord with strings 1–3 at the 12th fret. Although the lowest note in this shape is G, if you’re fingerpicking, you can incorporate the low open E string so that the root becomes the bottom note.
FAQs about the Em Guitar Chord
1. What is the Em chord?
The Em chord, or E minor chord, is a basic guitar chord consisting of the notes E, G, and B. It is known for its melancholic and somber sound.
2. Are there any easy variations of the Em chord for beginners?
Yes, variations like Em7 Chord and Em6 Chord are relatively easy to play and can add variety to your music:
- Em7: Just remove your ring finger from the D string to let it play open.
- Em6: Add your index finger to the 1st fret of the G string.
3. What are some common variations of the Em chord?
Some common variations include:
- Em7: Adds an open D string (D note).
- Em9: Adds the F# note on the high E string.
- Em6: Adds the C# note on the B string.
- Emadd9: Adds the F# note on the high E string without changing the bass.
- Em/C: Adds the C note as the bass on the A string.
4. Is E and E minor the same?
E chord (E major) and Em chord (E minor) are not the same. E major (E) has a bright, happy sound with the notes E, G#, and B. Em (E minor) has a darker, melancholic sound with the notes E, G, and B. The difference lies in the third interval: E major has a major third (G#), while E minor has a minor third (G).
5. How do I play an Em chord with a capo?
Place the capo on the desired fret and play the Em chord shape relative to the capo. For example, with a capo on the 2nd fret, an Em shape will sound as an F#m chord.
6. What songs commonly use the Em chord?
The Em chord is widely used in many songs across different genres. Some examples include “Wonderwall” by Oasis, “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals, and “Hurt” by Johnny Cash.
Mastering the Em guitar chord opens the door to a world of musical possibilities. Its simplicity and versatility make it a crucial part of any guitarist’s repertoire. As you continue to practice and integrate this chord into your playing, you’ll find yourself more confident and capable of exploring a wider range of songs and styles. Remember, every great guitarist started with the basics, and the Em guitar chord is one of those essential building blocks. Keep practicing, stay patient, and enjoy the journey of making music.
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