E minor guitar chord
The easiest chord on the guitar: two fingers, six ringing strings, and a sound that works in almost any key.
Play it
Two ways to finger Em
Acoustic samples load on first play; a synth preview is used if they are still loading. Best with headphones.
Open Em
Start here
Em barre (7th fret)
Same chord, higher up the neck
Finger numbers are shown inside the dots. An X means “do not play this string”; an open circle means the string rings open. Audio uses acoustic guitar samples, with a synthesized fallback.
How to play Em
E minor is the easiest chord on the guitar: two fingers, six ringing strings, and a sound that fits almost any key.
The open Em shape uses the low E, A, D, G, B, and high E strings. Only the A and D strings are fretted, both at the 2nd fret. That makes Em the perfect first chord for new players.
Em is the relative minor of G major and the home chord in E minor. It is also the shape behind the movable Em-shape barre chord, which gives you minor chords across the neck.
Fingering steps
- Put your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string.
- Strum all six strings and let the open strings ring.
- Check that the low E and high E are both clear.
- Relax your hand; Em needs very little pressure.
Why it sounds bad (and how to fix it)
Pressing too hard
Em needs only light pressure. Squeezing the neck can pull the notes sharp and tire your hand.
The D string is muted
The ring finger may be lying flat. Use the tip and keep it close to the fret.
The low E is muted
Make sure your fretting hand is not touching the low E string. It should ring open.
Practice drill
- Practice Em–G changes, keeping the ring finger near the 2nd fret.
- Play Em–C–G–D and listen for the open strings.
Use it in a progression
- Em – C – G – D (vi–IV–I–V in G)
- Em – G – D – A
FAQ
Is E minor the easiest guitar chord?
For most beginners, yes. It uses two fingers and lets all six strings ring.
Why does my Em sound dull?
The D string may be muted, or you may be pressing too hard. Check each string and relax your hand.
What is the difference between Em and E major?
E major frets the G string at the 1st fret (G#), while E minor leaves the G string open (G).
This page uses standard chord voicings. If a fingering still buzzes, the problem is usually the hand position, not the diagram.