Em Mineur Accord

A darker, more melancholic triad with a minor third instead of a major third.

Em Accord — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

The Em (Minor) chord consists of the notes E, G, B. It is constructed from the root note E using the minor interval formula (0–3–7 semitones).

Formula: 0 – 3 – 7

Notes

E – G – B

Intervals (semitones)

0 – 3 – 7

Type

Triad

Em on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the Em chord.

E (Root (R))

G (Minor 3rd (♭3))

B (Perfect 5th)

Em on Guitar

Fret numbers (low E → high e string): 022000 (x=mute, 0=open)

Interval Analysis

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

About the E Mineur Chord

The Em chord (E Mineur) consists of 3 notes: E, G, B. A darker, more melancholic triad with a minor third instead of a major third.

To build any minor chord, apply intervals of 0, 3, 7 semitones above the root. Starting from E: the notes land on E, G, B.

Playing Em on Piano

Press E, G, B simultaneously. In root position, E is lowest. First inversion places G in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses B as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using Em

I–IV–V: Em – Am – Bm (blues and rock)
I–V–vi–IV: Em – B – C#m – A (pop staple)
I–vi–IV–V: Em – C#m – A – B (50s progression)

The Em Chord in Context

As a minor chord, Em is the tonic (i) in the key of E minor. It also functions as the relative minor (vi chord) in G major, the ii chord in D major, and the iii chord in C major.

Other E Chords

Mineur Chord in All 12 Keys

Cm C#m Dm D#m Em Fm F#m Gm G#m Am A#m Bm

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Em Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

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What notes are in the Em chord?

The E Mineur chord contains: E, G, B.

These notes are derived by applying the minor interval formula (0–3–7 semitones) to the root note E.

What is the Em chord used for?

A darker, more melancholic triad with a minor third instead of a major third.

The Em chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of E major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.

How do you play Em on piano?

On piano, play E, G, B simultaneously.

In root position, E is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has G lowest, second inversion has B lowest.

How many notes are in a minor chord?

A minor chord has 3 notes: E, G, B (in E).

It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.

What is the difference between E major and E minor?

The E major chord (E–G#–B) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound.

The E minor chord (E–G–B) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.

What key does Em belong to?

Em naturally serves as the I chord in the key of E major.

It also appears as IV in the key of B major, and as V in the key of A major.

Can I play Em on ukulele?

Yes.

The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The Em chord notes (E, G, B) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.

What chords go well with Em?

In the key of E major, Em pairs naturally with A major (IV), B major (V), and C#m (vi).

The classic I–IV–V (Em–A–B) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.

What is a chord inversion of Em?

An inversion places a non-root note in the bass.

Em root position: E in bass. First inversion: G in bass. Second inversion: B in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.

How do I memorize the notes in a minor chord?

Remember the formula: 0–3–7 semitones from root.

For Em: start on E, add 3 semitones, then 7 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any minor chord.