Minor, second inversion chord
Level 3: Inversions
Notes: E, G, B · Bass note: B · Open position
Also known as: Em/B, Em over B, E minor over B, Em slash B, Em second inversion
Fretting hand for left-handed players (your right hand), Em/B. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.Fretting hand for right-handed players (your left hand), Em/B. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.
- 1Index
- 2Middle
- 3Ring
- 4Pinky
- TThumb, behind the neck
How to play Em/B
- Place your second finger on the second fret of the A string.
- Place your third finger on the second fret of the D string.
- Strum only the A, D, G, B and high E 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.
- Play the basic chord first, then this inversion, and listen to how smoothly the bass note moves.
Chord video
Watch Em/B, step by step
A short animation that builds the Em/B 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 Em/B
Practice progression
Em, Em/B
Switch between Em and Em/B until the changes feel smooth.