Minor chord
Level 3: Barre chords
Notes: E, G, B · Frets 9 to 12
Also known as: Em, E minor, Emin, E-
Fretting hand for left-handed players (your right hand), E minor. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.Fretting hand for right-handed players (your left hand), E minor. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.
- 1Index
- 2Middle
- 3Ring
- 4Pinky
- TThumb, behind the neck
How to play E minor
- Lay your first finger flat across the D and G strings at the ninth fret.
- Place your second finger on the tenth fret of the A string.
- Place your fourth finger on the twelfth fret of the low E string.
- Strum only the low E, A, D and G strings.
Tips for new players
- Keep your thumb behind the neck and let your fingers arch.
- Press just behind the fret, not on top of it, so every string rings clearly.
- Practice at a slow, steady pace, then try the progression below.
Chord video
Watch E minor, step by step
A short animation that builds the E minor chart and explains every symbol on it.
- X marks a string that is muted or not played.
- Open circle marks a string you play without fretting.
- Numbered dot marks a fretted string. The number is the finger to use.
Learn and practice E minor
Practice progression
Em, Fm, Gm
Switch between Em, Fm and Gm until the changes feel smooth.