Minor · Em
Chord E Minor (Em)
Em uses 3 keys, from E4 up to B4, 7 semitones apart.
← Back to the chord dictionaryWhat sets Em apart on the piano
On the piano, the notes of Em are E, G and B. E is the root, G the minor third and B the fifth. All three keys of Em are white.
The gaps in Em are not equal. E to G is three and G to B is four semitones. The frequencies in this position are E4 at 329.63 Hz, G4 at 392 Hz and B4 at 493.88 Hz, with A4 tuned to 440 Hz.
Your right hand plays E with the thumb, G with the middle finger and B with the little finger. From E4 to B4 the hand spans seven semitones.
In the first inversion, E moves up an octave and the lowest note becomes G, the minor third. The fingers are 1 - 2 - 5. In the second inversion, G moves up an octave and the lowest note becomes B, the fifth. The fingers are 1 - 3 - 5.
Move G in Em up a semitone, to G#, and you have E. It shares G and B with G, two of its three notes.
Em shows up in five keys. In G major it is the vi, in D major the ii and in C major the iii.
88-Key Keyboard
Listen to and visualize Em
E Minor (Em)
MinorRoot position
How to play E Minor (Em)
- 1E · finger 1Play E4 with finger 1 of your right hand.
- 2G · finger 3Play G4 with finger 3 of your right hand.
- 3B · finger 5Play B4 with finger 5 of your right hand.
Voicings
Inversions of Em
Across its 3 positions, the lowest note is E, G, and B.
| Position | Notes | Fingering | Lowest note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root position | E · G · B | 1 - 3 - 5 | E in the bass, the root |
| 1st inversion | G · B · E | 1 - 2 - 5 | G in the bass, the third |
| 2nd inversion | B · E · G | 1 - 3 - 5 | B in the bass, the fifth |
Em in every key
Em sits in the scale of 5 keys.
Major keys
Practice Notebook
Step-by-step guide: E Minor (Em)
- The E Minor Triad: Notes and Distances
- Ear Training: Major vs. Minor
- Visual Orientation on White Keys
- Posture and Biomechanics without Tension
- E Minor Inversions: Bass and Movement
- Progressions with Related Chords
- Practice Routine: 10-15 Effective Minutes
- Common Mistakes, Corrections, and Application
Printable sheet for E Minor (Em)
Open printable sheet →