E minor (Em)

The simplest chord there is: two fingers, all six strings. A dark, full sound, perfect for getting started.

It’s played in open position, near the nut, and as a barre chord higher up the neck. It’s the home chord of the key of E minor; in major keys, you’ll find it in G major, D major and C major.

Notes:: E, G, B.
Formula:: 1, ♭3, 5.
Difficulty:: Very easy.
Strings played:: 6.

Chord diagram

e|--0--|
B|--0--|
G|--0--|
D|--2--|
A|--2--|
E|--0--|

Other positions

e|--7--|
B|--8--|
G|--9--|
D|--9--|
A|--7--|
E|--x--|

Common mistakes

One of the strings buzzing? Your fingers are too far from the fret. Move them closer to the metal fret on the right, without pressing harder.

G string sounds off? Your middle or ring finger is touching it. Arch your fingers so they come straight down onto the strings.

Variations

Em7: lift your ring finger and let the D string ring open. More open, more airy.

e|--0--|
B|--0--|
G|--0--|
D|--0--|
A|--2--|
E|--0--|

Heard in

Zombie (The Cranberries) cycles through Em, C, G and D for the whole song.

Often played with

The chords in its key, the ones you hear most often around E minor.

e|--0--|
B|--1--|
G|--2--|
D|--2--|
A|--0--|
E|--x--|

A minoriv

e|--2--|
B|--3--|
G|--4--|
D|--4--|
A|--2--|
E|--x--|

B minorv

e|--0--|
B|--1--|
G|--0--|
D|--2--|
A|--3--|
E|--x--|

C major♭VI

e|--2--|
B|--3--|
G|--2--|
D|--0--|
A|--x--|
E|--x--|

D major♭VII