How to Play the Em Chord on the Guitar

Co-authored by Nate Savage

Last Updated: June 16, 2022 References

The E minor chord, or Em, is made of up of the notes E, G, and B. You can play it with only two fingers and, as part of the key of E minor, it has a deep, melancholy sound to it. This article will teach you the proper finger position to use to play the chord.

1

Place your middle finger on the 5th string, second fret.

Remember, the 5th string is the second highest string from the top, or the A string.^{[1]
X
Research source} Place your middle finger just to the left of the second fret (for right-handed guitarists), as near to the fret as possible so that you get a clean, clear tone.

2

Place your ring finger on the 4th string, second fret.

Your ring finger simply goes right underneath your middle, holding the second fret on the D string. This is the third string from the top. Again, keep your finger near that second fret, but still on the head-side of the guitar.^{[2]
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- The head of the guitar is the small piece at the end of the neck with the tuning knobs.

3

Leave the other strings open.

All an E-minor chord requires are those two strings and two frets. Make sure you use the tips of your fingers on the frets so that you don't accidentally mute the lower strings -- you want them free to ring out.^{[3]
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4

Strum all the strings at once.

The Em chord uses every string on the guitar, so you can strum away freely. However, for a deeper, darker sound, limit yourself to just the top four strings or so. For a lighter sound, like in many ska and reggae songs, just play the bottom 3-4 strings.

5

Alternatively, remove your index finger from an E major chord.

This is a more advanced way to get to the Em instantly. If you already know how to play an E-major chord, you can get to the Em by simply lifting your index finger off the first fret.^{[4]
X
Research source} Your final chord will look like:
- --0--
- --0--
- --0--
- --2--
- --2--
- --0--^{[5]
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Community Q&A

Question

Which string do I play when strumming in Em?

Community Answer

For the entire E minor chord, you strum every string, but you have to put your first finger on the second fret on the A string, and put your second finger on the second fret on the D string.
Question

Where can I learn guitar in Esher?

Community Answer

It's better if you learn on your own by using online tutorials.
Question

Method 2 and Method 1 are the same chord? Do the different methods sound different?

Coco Shu

Community Answer

On many instruments, there is more than one way to play the same chord. Methods 2 and 1 are different fingering, but the sound and chord are exactly the same.