How to play the Em chord on guitar
Em is the easiest full six-string chord: two fingers on the 2nd fret.
The 3D hands holding Em. Switch to 0.5× and turn the guitar to see each finger.
Where the fingers go
- Middle finger (2) on the A (5th) string, fret 2.
- Ring finger (3) on the D (4th) string, fret 2.
- Let low E (6th), G (3rd), B (2nd) and high E (1st) ring open.
Notes in the chord: E – B – G
Tips
- Use middle and ring fingers so the index is ready for chords that follow, such as C or Am.
- Strum all six strings and let them ring.
- Hold it loosely; it only needs light pressure because it is close to the nut.
Easier ways to play Em
Em7
0 2 0 0 0 0
One finger. A softer colour of the same chord.
Practise Em inside a real song
Paste the chords of any song that uses Em, or snap a photo of the sheet. SnapFret plays it with the hands, and you can loop the change you find hardest.
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