Minor chord
Level 3: Barre chords
Notes: E, G, B · Frets 2 to 5
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 A and D strings at the second fret.
- Place your second finger on the third fret of the high E string.
- Place your third finger on the fourth fret of the G string.
- Place your fourth finger on the fifth fret of the B string.
- Strum all six strings, letting the low E string ring open.
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.