Em7 Chord
The Em7 is a minor 7th chord that sounds smooth, soulful, and jazzy. Minor 7th chords blend the emotional depth of minor chords with a smoothness that makes them staples of soul, funk, and jazz. Less tense than dominant 7ths, more colorful than plain minors.
Open Position
Chord Diagrams
Open Position
Uses a barre chord technique
Barre Shape — Fret 7
Uses a barre chord technique
How to Play Em7
Follow these steps for the open position fingering:
| # | String | Instruction | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low E (6th string) | ○Open — play the open string | E |
| 2 | A (5th string) | ●Fret 2 with your ring finger | G |
| 3 | D (4th string) | ●Fret 2 with your pinky finger | B |
| 4 | G (3rd string) | ○Open — play the open string | D |
| 5 | B (2nd string) | ○Open — play the open string | E |
| 6 | High E (1st string) | ○Open — play the open string | G |
○ = Open string (no fingers needed)
✕ = Muted string (don't play)
● = Press your finger down firmly just behind the fret
Notes in Em7
The Em7 chord is built from 4 distinct notes, each serving a harmonic role:
Songs Using Em7
These songs from our play-along library feature the Em7 chord:
Other E Chords
Explore other chord types built on the same root note:
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