E-Minor Chord

This page dives into the E minor chord for guitar - voicings, compatible scales and modes, plus where it rings out in iconic songs. E minor (E • G • B) is one of the easiest and most resonant open minor chords. It has a dark, emotional, and powerful sound perfect for rock, metal, indie, folk, and ballads.

Chord Voicings & Tablature

Common ways to play E minor

Classic Open Position (022000)

Full Barre (x79987)

High Voicing (12 14 14 12 12 12)

Scales & Modes That Fit Perfectly

E minor is the relative minor of G major, sharing the same notes but with a darker, more emotional feel. These scales and modes sound especially good over Em chords.

E Aeolian (Natural Minor)

E F♯ G A B C D E

e|---------------------------7-9-|
B|-----------------------7-10----|
G|-----------------7-9-11--------|
D|-----------7-9-11--------------|
A|-----7-9-10--------------------|
E|-7-9---------------------------|

E Minor Pentatonic

E G A B D

e|-------------------7-10-|
B|---------------7-10-----|
G|-----------7-9----------|
D|-------7-9--------------|
A|---7-10-----------------|
E|-7----------------------|

E-Minor in Legendary Songs

The open E minor chord delivers powerful emotion in countless classic tracks:

• "Hotel California" by Eagles – The haunting intro and verse progression centers on Em.
• "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd – Iconic intro and verse uses Em prominently.
• "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica – Clean intro and verses heavily feature Em.
• "Blackbird" by The Beatles – Beautiful fingerstyle piece built around Em.
• "Hurt" by Johnny Cash / Nine Inch Nails – Emotional ballad foundation with Em.
• "The Sound of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel – Classic folk feel with open Em.