E minor chord on piano
Em is a minor chord built on E. It uses the notes E - G - B and sounds darker, softer and more emotional.
- Notes
- E G B
- Formula
- 1 - ♭3 - 5
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 1
- Chord symbol
- Em
How to play Em step by step
- Find E. E is the white key just right of each group of two black keys.
- Add G, 3 half steps above E.
- Add B, 7 half steps above E.
- Press all 3 keys together with fingers 1 - 3 - 5 of your right hand. Keep your wrist level and let the weight of your arm do the work.
Em inversions
An inversion uses the same notes in a different order. Inversions let your hand move less between chords, which is how pianists make chord changes sound smooth.
Which keys use the Em chord?
Knowing where a chord lives helps you guess the next chord in a song. Em appears naturally in these keys:
Songs that use Em
Practice Em inside real music. These tutorials use it in the left-hand accompaniment:
- In the Hall of the Mountain King (easy, A minor (simplified from B minor))
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the E minor chord?
The E minor chord (Em) contains 3 notes: E, G, B. Its formula is 1 - ♭3 - 5.
How do you play Em on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on E and play E, G, B together using fingers 1 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 1.