E minor (Em) chord on piano

The E minor chord (Em) is a minor triad, made of three notes: E – G – B.

Root position: E4 – G4 – B4

What the Em chord sounds like

A minor triad differs from a major one only in the third: it has a minor third, which gives it a darker, sadder colour. In a major key, chords ii, iii and vi are minor.

Notes of the Em chord

Degree	Note	Interval from the root
1	E	root
3	G	minor third (3 semitones)
5	B	perfect fifth (7 semitones)

Root position and inversions

An inversion uses the same notes, with a different note at the bottom. When you change chords, choosing the nearest inversion keeps your hand almost still.

Root position

E4 – G4 – B4

1st inversion

G4 – B4 – E5

2nd inversion

B4 – E5 – G5

Which keys is it in?

The Em chord is built from the notes of these keys (for minor keys, both the natural and the harmonic minor are considered):

E minor: i (tonic)
A minor: v (dominant)
B minor: iv (subdominant)
C major: iii
G major: vi
D major: ii

Similar chords and substitutes

If Em is too hard, or you want a different colour in the same spot, these chords are worth a try.

Substitutes (by function)

G – relative major: two shared notes
C – the major chord a major third below: two shared notes
Em7 – a fuller, softer minor colour

Richer versions

Em7 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
Em6 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
Em9 – the same chord plus 2 colour notes

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the Em chord?

E, G, B. The root is E; the intervals of the other notes from the root: minor third, perfect fifth.

How do I play the Em chord on piano?

In root position, the right hand usually plays with fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb, middle finger, little finger); four-note chords with fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5. The left hand mirrors this: 5, 3, 1. In an inversion the top or bottom note moves to the other side, so your hand moves less when you change chords.

How is the Em chord written?

The chord symbol is Em, and its full name is E minor.