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E Minor Chord

Chord Diagram

E minor chord fingering diagram for guitar. Place your middle finger on the second fret of the A string and ring finger on the second fret of the D string. All strings are played, with the low E, G, B, and high E strings played open.○○○○○○12EADGBE

X = Don't play this string

O = Play open string

Numbers = Finger placement

Finger Positions

1st Finger (Index)

2nd fret of the A string (5th string)

2nd Finger (Middle)

2nd fret of the D string (4th string)

Other Strings

All other strings played open

Pro Tip: This is one of the easiest chords to play! Just two fingers on the 2nd fret and strum all strings.

Em Chord Variations

Em7

Add open high E string

022030

Em6

Add 6th interval

022020

Em(add9)

Add 9th for texture

024000

Common Progressions with Em

Em - C - G - D

Classic minor progression in rock and pop

EmCGD

Em - Am - Em - Am

Melancholic minor progression

EmAmEmAm

Em - D - C - G

Emotional ballad progression

EmDCG

Practice Tips for Em Chord

Common Mistakes

  • • Not pressing down firmly enough
  • • Accidentally touching other strings
  • • Placing fingers too far from frets
  • • Strumming too softly

Practice Exercises

  • • Play each string to check clarity
  • • Practice Em → Am → Em transitions
  • • Try down-up strumming patterns
  • • Work on fingerpicking arpeggios

Popular Songs Using Em Chord

Losing My Religion

R.E.M.

Intermediate

Mad World

Gary Jules

Beginner

Zombie

The Cranberries

Intermediate

Nothing Else Matters

Metallica

Advanced

Hurt

Johnny Cash

Intermediate

Creep

Radiohead

Intermediate
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