Guitar chord · Very easy
E minor 7th chord (Em7) — guitar chord chart
Em7 is a minor 7th chord built on E. Its notes are E, G, B, D. A minor chord with a flat 7th: mellow and smooth rather than sad — a staple of funk, R&B and jazz ii–V–I progressions.
Em7 chord charts
Numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little). ○ open string, × don’t play. Low E string on the left.
How to play Em7
- Index (1) on the 5th string, fret 2 (B).
- Let strings 6, 4, 3, 2, 1 ring open.
- Strum all six strings.
- Pick the strings one at a time: each note should ring clearly — if one buzzes, move that finger closer to the fret.
Once the open shape is comfortable, try the barre version at fret 2: same chord, higher voice, and a shape you can move all over the neck.
Notes in Em7
| Degree | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | E | root |
| ♭3 | G | minor 3rd |
| 5 | B | perfect 5th |
| ♭7 | D | minor 7th |
Progressions with Em7
Drill these changes with the chord-change trainer and read how to change chords faster.
FAQ
- What notes are in the Em7 chord?
- Em7 (E minor 7th) has 4 notes: E, G, B, D.
- Is Em7 hard to play?
- No — the open-position shape needs no barre, so it’s a good beginner chord.
- What’s the difference between Em7 and E?
- E is E G♯ B. A minor chord with a flat 7th: mellow and smooth rather than sad — a staple of funk, R&B and jazz ii–V–I progressions.