Piano Lessons AppTake the quiz

E minor 6th chord on piano

Em6 is a minor 6th chord built on E. It uses the notes E - G - B - C♯ and sounds mysterious and cinematic.

E minor 6th chord keyboard diagram: E, G, B, C♯EGBC♯
Notes
E G B C♯
Formula
1 - ♭3 - 5 - 6
Right hand fingering
1 - 2 - 3 - 5
Left hand fingering
5 - 3 - 2 - 1
Chord symbol
Em6

How to play Em6 step by step

  1. Find E. E is the white key just right of each group of two black keys.
  2. Add G, 3 half steps above E.
  3. Add B, 7 half steps above E.
  4. Add C♯, 9 half steps above E.
  5. Press all 4 keys together with fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5 of your right hand. Keep your wrist level and let the weight of your arm do the work.

Em6 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.

Em6 Root position: E, G, B, C♯EGBC♯
Root positionE - G - B - C♯
Em6 1st inversion: G, B, C♯, EGBEC♯
1st inversionG - B - C♯ - E
Em6 2nd inversion: B, C♯, E, GBEGC♯
2nd inversionB - C♯ - E - G
Em6 3rd inversion: C♯, E, G, BEGBC♯
3rd inversionC♯ - E - G - B

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the E minor 6th chord?

The E minor 6th chord (Em6) contains 4 notes: E, G, B, C♯. Its formula is 1 - ♭3 - 5 - 6.

How do you play Em6 on piano?

Put your right-hand thumb on E and play E, G, B, C♯ together using fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 2 - 1.

Other E chords

Other minor 6th chords