E minor chord on piano
Em · Emin · E− — the darker, sadder sound: a major chord with its third lowered.
| Notes | E – G – B |
|---|---|
| Formula | 1 – ♭3 – 5 |
| Symbols | Em, Emin, E− |
| Fingering (root position) | Right hand 1 3 5 · Left hand 5 3 1 |
How to play E minor on the piano
Start on E. Add the third (G) and the fifth (B). With the right hand use fingers 1 3 5; with the left hand 5 3 1. Press the keys together for the chord, or one after another for an arpeggio.
Inversions
The same notes in a different order: the lowest note changes, the chord stays E minor. Inversions let you move between chords with small steps.
Root position
E – G – B · RH 1 3 5 · LH 5 3 1
1st inversion
G – B – E · RH 1 2 5 · LH 5 3 1
2nd inversion
B – E – G · RH 1 3 5 · LH 5 2 1
Which keys use E minor
In these keys the chord is built from the notes of the scale itself:
Its relative major chord is G major.
Other E chords
E majorE diminishedE augmentedE sus2E sus4E6E7E major seventhE minor seventhE diminished seventhE half-diminished
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