Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

To play the E Minor 7th chord on guitar, find the notes E, G, B, D across the fretboard. The root E typically goes on the 6th or 5th string. Use the interactive fretboard above to see exact finger placement for this seventh chord shape.

Guitar Chord

Em7 Guitar Chord

A minor triad with a minor seventh. Smooth, soulful sound central to jazz and soul music. Learn the E Minor 7th chord on guitar with interactive fretboard, audio playback, and multiple voicings.

Notes
E – G – B – D
Intervals
0 – 3 – 7 – 10
Type
seventh chord
E G B D
E
A
D
G
B
e
3
5
7
9
12
4 notes · Standard (E A D G B E)

Playing the Em7 Guitar Chord

The Em7 chord is a minor 7th chord built on the root E. It contains 4 notes: E, G, B, D. On guitar, this chord can be played in multiple positions across the fretboard, from open shapes to barre chord voicings.

A minor triad with a minor seventh. Smooth, soulful sound central to jazz and soul music. For guitarists, mastering the Em7 chord unlocks many songs in the key of E.

Recommended Em7 Guitar Voicing

The interactive fretboard above shows a practical Em7 voicing. The chord notes (E, G, B, D) appear as highlighted positions. Tap any highlighted fret to hear that note, or click "Play Em7" to hear the full chord.

Interval Structure of Em7

Degree Interval Semitones Note in E
Root Root (R) 0 E
3rd Minor 3rd 3 G
5th Perfect 5th 7 B
7th Minor 7th 10 D

Common Progressions with Em7 on Guitar

  • I–IV–V: Em7 – Am7 – Bm7 (foundation of blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: Em7 – B – C#m – A (modern pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: Em7 – C#m – A – B (50s doo-wop)

Tips for Practicing Em7 on Guitar

Start by finding the root note E on the 6th and 5th strings. Build the chord shape from there. Practice transitioning between Em7 and nearby chords like A and B. Use slow, deliberate strums and check each string rings clearly.

Other E Guitar Chords

E
Major
Em
Minor
E7
Dominant 7th
Emaj7
Major 7th
Edim
Diminished
Eaug
Augmented

Minor 7th Chord in All 12 Keys

Cm7 C#m7 Dm7 D#m7 Em7 Fm7 F#m7 Gm7 G#m7 Am7 A#m7 Bm7
Virtual Guitar
Interactive fretboard
Em7 Piano
Piano chord diagram
E Scale
Notes that fit this chord
Songs
Find songs using Em7

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Em7 Guitar Chord — FAQ

Everything you need to know about our browser-based Web Audio engine, instruments, and music theory workspace.

How do I play the Em7 chord on guitar?

To play the E Minor 7th chord on guitar, find the notes E, G, B, D across the fretboard.

The root E typically goes on the 6th or 5th string. Use the interactive fretboard above to see exact finger placement for this seventh chord shape.

What notes make up the Em7 guitar chord?

The E Minor 7th guitar chord contains 4 notes: E, G, B, D.

These are derived from the minor 7th interval formula applied to the root E.

What is the best guitar voicing for Em7?

The most common guitar voicing for Em7 uses a root position with E on the 6th or 5th string.

The exact frets depend on your preferred voicing — the interactive fretboard above shows a recommended open or barre position shape.

Is Em7 a beginner-friendly guitar chord?

Em7 has 4 notes, which may require more advanced finger stretching.

Start with the basic seventh shape and practice clean transitions.

What is a barre chord version of Em7?

A barre chord version of Em7 uses your index finger pressed across all strings at a specific fret, with the remaining fingers forming the chord shape.

The root E determines the barre position on the 6th or 5th string.

What are common chord progressions with Em7 on guitar?

Em7 is widely used in jazz ii–V–I turnarounds, blues progressions, and modal funk vamps.

How does Em7 sound different on guitar vs piano?

The Em7 chord contains the same notes (E, G, B, D) on both instruments.

On guitar, the voicing depends on string selection and fret position, creating a different timbre. Guitar chords often include string-specific articulations like hammer-ons and pull-offs.

Can I play Em7 as an open chord on guitar?

Open voicings of Em7 require E to be playable within the first 3 frets.

If open shapes aren't available, use a barre chord voicing instead.

What is the difference between the Em7 chord on guitar and ukulele?

The Em7 chord contains the same notes (E, G, B, D) on both instruments.

However, the guitar has 6 strings in EADGBE tuning while the ukulele has 4 strings in GCEA tuning, so the finger shapes are completely different.

How do I practice transitioning to and from Em7 on guitar?

Practice moving between Em7 and its neighboring chords in the key of E major: A and B.

Use a metronome at a slow tempo (60 BPM) and focus on clean, simultaneous finger placement.