How to Play E Minor on Guitar: The Easiest Minor Chord, and How to Play It Well
E minor is often the first minor chord beginners learn, and it needs only two fingers. Here is how to play it cleanly and use it in songs.
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In this guide
E minor is the easiest minor chord on the guitar, and for many players it is the first chord that sounds sad and beautiful rather than just loud. It needs only two fingers, it lies comfortably under the hand, and it is part of many of the songs beginners want to learn early. This guide covers the shape, strumming, and how to move from E minor to G and C.
The E minor shape
Place two fingers on the second fret:
- Middle finger: second fret, fifth string (the A string).
- Ring finger: second fret, fourth string (the D string).
Leave the other four strings open, and strum all six.
Why E minor is a good first minor chord
Two fingers make E minor quick to form. The chord also sits in the same part of the neck as E and G, so the finger movement between them is short. Many beginners find that once they can play E minor cleanly, the rest of the minor chords come more easily.
Making it ring clearly
- Press with the fingertips. Flat fingers touch neighbouring strings and cause buzzing.
- Keep the thumb behind the neck. A thumb that wraps over the top pulls the fingers out of place.
- Strum firmly. Because all six strings ring, light strumming can make the chord sound thin.
A strumming pattern for Em
E minor works well with a slow, steady pattern: down, down, up, up, down, up. Count "1, 2 and 3 and 4 and." Keep the rhythm steady while your fingers hold the chord, and only then add the change to the next chord.
Changing from Em to G and C
Em, G and C make a great trio for learning songs. Try this drill:
- Em for four beats, then G for four beats, then Em again.
- Em for four beats, then C for four beats, then Em again.
- Play Em, G, C, G in one run, slowly, until every chord rings clearly.
Ten minutes a day is enough. Most players find these changes feel natural after a few weeks.
Get your first song under your fingers this week
Fretwork builds the chord changes and strumming you need for songs like these, one short lesson at a time. Stages 0 and 1 are free with no card.
Stuck on something?
If E minor still buzzes, check the two fingers first. Lift each one, press again, and strum after each adjustment. Two fingers should be quick to fix once they are in the right place.
Frequently asked questions
How many fingers do I need for E minor?
Only two. Place your middle finger on the second fret of the fifth string (the A string) and your ring finger on the second fret of the fourth string (the D string). Everything else stays open.
Why is E minor usually the first minor chord taught?
It needs only two fingers, the shape is easy to hold, and it sounds full because all six strings are played. It also shares finger positions with other chords, which makes changes easier.
Should I strum all six strings on E minor?
Yes. E minor is played with a full strum, so every string should ring. If the low E sounds dull, check that your fingers are not touching it.
What songs use E minor?
E minor appears in many folk, rock and pop songs. Practising Em alongside G, C and D is the fastest way to start playing real songs.
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