Guitar Em chord diagram
Em is one of the essential Guitar chords. On Chordier, this chord appears in 1,866 different songs. On this page, you can find how to play Em, alternative positions, and core chord transitions.
To play Em, follow these steps: Place middle finger on A string fret 2. Place ring finger on D string fret 2.
Tips
- Place A string with your middle finger and D string with your ring finger with a vertical finger angle so nearby strings ring clearly without buzz.
- On A string, press fret 2 with your middle finger close to the fret wire (not on top) for a cleaner tone.
- Finger choices on Em can be optimized for the next chord. For example, when moving from Em to F#m7 | G♭m7, using on A string, use your ring finger and on D string, use your pinky helps preserve hand position with minimal movement.
- To play Em cleanly, every involved string should ring clearly. Make sure both fretted strings (A string and D string) and open strings sound clean. After shaping the chord, pluck each string one by one and confirm there is no muted or buzzing note.
Chord Theory
- Notes
- E - G - B
- Intervals
- 1 - b3 - 5
- Chord Type
- Minor — soft and melancholic character
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Voicings
- 7
Alternative Positions
Different ways to play Em on the fretboard, from beginner-friendly to advanced voicings.
Guitar Em chord diagram3-2-2-4-5-3
Guitar Em chord diagram3-2-5-4-5-3
Guitar Em chord diagram3-2-2-4-x-3
Guitar Em chord diagram3-x-5-4-5-3
Easy Transition Chords
These chords have similar finger positions to Em, making them ideal for practice transitions.
1. Em → E5 chord transition
To move from Em to E5, follow these steps:
- Keep middle finger on A string fret 2.
- Keep ring finger on D string fret 2.
2. Em → Asus2 chord transition
To move from Em to Asus2, follow these steps:
- Lift your middle finger from A string fret 2 and place it on D string fret 2.
- Slide your ring finger from D string fret 2 to G string fret 2.
3. Em → E chord transition
To move from Em to E, follow these steps:
- Keep middle finger on A string fret 2.
- Keep ring finger on D string fret 2.
- Place index finger on G string fret 1.
4. Em → Em7 chord transition
To move from Em to Em7, follow these steps:
- While playing Em, lift your ring finger from D string fret 2.
- Keep middle finger on A string fret 2.
5. Em → F#m7 | G♭m7 chord transition
To move from Em to F#m7 | G♭m7, follow these steps:
- Lift your middle finger from A string fret 2 and place it on E string fret 2.
- Keep ring finger on D string fret 2.
6. Em → Em/F# chord transition
To move from Em to Em/F#, follow these steps:
- Keep middle finger on A string fret 2.
- Keep ring finger on D string fret 2.
- Place index finger on E string fret 2.
Most Common Transitions
The most frequent chord transitions from Em across songs on this site.
1. Em → C chord transition
To move from Em to C, follow these steps:
- Lift your middle finger from A string fret 2 and place it on D string fret 2.
- Slide your ring finger from D string fret 2 to A string fret 3.
- Place index finger on B string fret 1.
On Chordier, songs containing Em use the transition to C at 26.4%. You can practice this transition in 729 different songs.
2. Em → G chord transition
To move from Em to G, follow these steps:
- Lift your middle finger from A string fret 2 and place it on E string fret 3.
- Slide your ring finger from D string fret 2 to E string fret 3.
- Place index finger on A string fret 2.
On Chordier, songs containing Em use the transition to G at 17.7%. You can practice this transition in 560 different songs.
3. Em → D chord transition
To move from Em to D, follow these steps:
- Lift your middle finger from A string fret 2 and place it on E string fret 2.
- Slide your ring finger from D string fret 2 to B string fret 3.
- Place index finger on G string fret 2.
On Chordier, songs containing Em use the transition to D at 17.4%. You can practice this transition in 590 different songs.
4. Em → Am chord transition
To move from Em to Am, follow these steps:
- Lift your middle finger from A string fret 2 and place it on D string fret 2.
- Slide your ring finger from D string fret 2 to G string fret 2.
- Place index finger on B string fret 1.
On Chordier, songs containing Em use the transition to Am at 11.7%. You can practice this transition in 461 different songs.
5. Em → F chord transition
To move from Em to F, follow these steps:
- Lift your middle finger from A string fret 2 and place it on G string fret 2.
- Slide your ring finger from D string fret 2 to A string fret 3.
- Place index finger on E string fret 1.
- Place pinky on D string fret 3.
On Chordier, songs containing Em use the transition to F at 7.9%. You can practice this transition in 285 different songs.
Compatible Scales
These scales include Em and highlight the companion chords that fit the same key.
Songs Using Em Chord
Popular songs that feature the Em chord, perfect for practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Em chord on Guitar?
Guitar Em is easy to start with. The shape covers 1 frets. Short daily repetitions will make transitions smoother.
Is there a simpler voicing for Em?
You can try an easier Guitar voicing for Em. The alternative voicing uses fingering 3-x-5-4-5-3. Use this shape first, then return to the full form as control improves.
What are the most common chord changes from Em on Guitar?
Guitar progressions often pair Em with C and G. Based on our catalog data, Em -> C is tracked 7,237 times across 729 songs (26.4% share), while Em -> G appears 4,839 times across 560 songs (17.7% share).
Can you name songs that feature Em?
In our catalog, Ariana Grande - Santa Tell Me Chords is one of 8 songs that include the Em chord.