E minor · Ukulele
Em Chord on Ukulele
The Em chord (E minor) is built from the notes E, G and B. The ukulele fingering for it is shown below.
Chord diagrams
Fingering
- string 4 (G): played open
- string 3 (C): fret 4 — ring finger
- string 2 (E): fret 3 — middle finger
- string 1 (A): fret 2 — index finger
Notes in this chord
- E
- G
- B
Degrees: 1 – ♭3 – 5
How to play
Em can be played with open strings on ukulele, which makes it an accessible shape for beginners. Strings marked ○ ring open, while strings marked ✕ are muted.
Theory behind the chord
Minor chords sound darker than major ones because the third is lowered by a semitone. They carry the melancholic colour in most songs and pair naturally with their relative major. On Em this structure sits on the root E, so the degrees 1 – ♭3 – 5 map onto E, G and B. Em is the vi chord in the key of G major, the ii chord in D major and the iii chord in C major. Its relative major is G. It is often heard in the Em – C – G – D progression.
Frequently asked questions
- Which notes are in the Em chord?
- Em contains the notes E, G and B. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – ♭3 – 5.
- How many ways can you play Em?
- Minory lists a single ukulele fingering for Em.
- Is the Em chord hard to play?
- Not really. The open position of Em uses open strings and needs no barre, which makes it approachable for beginners.
Practise Em on your phone
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