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Em chord (E minor) on piano

Em (E minor) has three notes: E, G and B. Its formula is 1, b3, 5. In major keys, Em is the ii chord in D major, the iii in C major and the vi in G major.

Em inversions and fingering

EGB
Root position
E G B · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-3-1
GBE
First inversion
G B E · RH 1-2-5 · LH 5-3-1
BEG
Second inversion
B E G · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-2-1

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Em chord facts
SymbolEm
Also writtenEmin, E-
NotesE G B
Formula1 b3 5
Intervalsroot, minor third, perfect fifth
TypeMinor chord

Em across the keyboard

C3C4C5E1Gb3B5E1Gb3B5

Piano, C3 to C5. Notes in this scale, low to high: E3 (1), G3 (flat 3), B3 (5), E4 (1), G4 (flat 3), B4 (5).

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Questions

What notes are in the Em chord?

Em (E minor) has three notes: E, G and B. Its formula is 1, b3, 5. E is the root, G is the minor third and B is the perfect fifth.

How do you play Em on piano?

Play E, G and B together. Root position: E G B · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-3-1.

What key is Em in?

In major keys, Em is the ii chord in D major, the iii in C major and the vi in G major. It is diatonic to those keys, so it fits songs in any of them.

What is the difference between Em and E?

Em has a minor 3rd, G. E major raises it a half step to G#. The root and 5th stay the same.