Em chord on piano
E Minor. Notes: E, G and B.
How to play Em
- Find E at or above middle C. That is the root.
- Add G and B above it, skipping the keys in between.
- Right hand fingering: 1-3-5 (thumb, middle, pinky). Left hand: 5-3-1 (pinky, middle, thumb).
Notes
Em inversions
An inversion moves the lowest note up an octave. Same notes, smoother jumps between chords.
Root position
E · G · B1st inversion
G · B · E2nd inversion
B · E · GNotes and theory
The minor triad swaps the major third for a minor third, which gives it a darker, sadder color. The formula is 1 b3 5, and you will also see it written as Emin and E-.
Keys that use Em
More E chords
All E piano chordsminor chords in every key
Questions
What notes are in the Em chord?
Em (E minor) is made of three notes: E (root), G (minor third) and B (perfect fifth).
How do you play Em on piano?
Play E, G and B together. With the right hand use fingers 1-3-5 (thumb, middle, pinky); with the left hand use 5-3-1 (pinky, middle, thumb).
What are the inversions of Em?
Root position: E G B. 1st inversion: G B E. 2nd inversion: B E G.
What is the difference between Em and E?
Only the third changes. E major uses a major third and sounds bright; E minor lowers that note by a half step, which makes it sound darker. The root and the fifth stay the same.
What key is Em in?
Em belongs to 6 keys: C major (as the iii chord), D major (as the ii chord), G major (as the vi chord), E minor (as the i chord), A minor (as the v chord) and B minor (as the iv chord).
What does a minor chord sound like?
The minor triad swaps the major third for a minor third, which gives it a darker, sadder color.