Em piano chord (E minor)

E – G – B

Formula 1 – ♭3 – 5

EGB

Em inversions

An inversion keeps the same notes but puts a different one at the bottom. Use them to move to the next chord with the smallest hand movement.

Root position Em

E – G – B

EGB

1st inversion Em/G

G – B – E

GBE

2nd inversion Em/B

B – E – G

BEG

Keys that contain Em

Other E chords

← E♭m · Fm →

Em chord questions

What notes are in the E minor chord?

Em is E, G, B. Its formula is 1 – ♭3 – 5, counted from the root E.

How do you play Em on piano?

With the right hand in root position, play E–G–B using fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb on E). With the left hand, use fingers 5, 3 and 1 from the bottom.

What are the inversions of Em?

Root position: E–G–B; 1st inversion: G–B–E; 2nd inversion: B–E–G.

Which keys contain Em?

Em occurs naturally in C major (as iii), D major (as ii), E minor (as i), G major (as vi), A minor (as v), B minor (as iv).