Chords in the Key of E minor

The key of E minor has 1 sharp (F♯). Its chords are Em · F♯dim · G · Am · Bm · C · D, and most songs are built around Em · Am · Bm · C.

Chords in E minor

Degree	Chord	Type
i	Em	minor
ii°	F♯dim	diminished
III	G	major
iv	Am	minor
v	Bm	minor
VI	C	major
VII	D	major
V7 (harmonic minor)	B7	dominant 7th — common right before returning to i in minor songs

Tap a chord for its chart, notes and capo options.

Chords in the key of E minor — guitar chord charts for Em, F#dim, G, Am, Bm, C, D — All on one image — long-press (or right-click) to save it.

Common chord progressions

i–VI–III–VII (minor pop)

Em C G D

▶ Play

i–iv–v–i

Em Am Bm Em

▶ Play

i–VII–VI–VII

Em D C D

▶ Play

i–iv–V7–i (minor cadence)

EmAmB7Em

Play it easier with a capo

Capo on fret 2 + D minor shapes → sounds in E minor
Capo on fret 7 + A minor shapes → sounds in E minor

Related keys and scales

Relative key: G major — same key signature.

A half step up: F minor · a half step down: Eb minor

Scales: E natural minor scale · E minor pentatonic

FAQ

What chords are in the key of E minor?

The diatonic chords of E minor are Em, F#dim, G, Am, Bm, C, D. Most songs revolve around Em, Am, Bm, C, and B7 shows up often too.

How can I play in E minor more easily on guitar?

It's an easy key you can play with open chords. With a capo you can use easier shapes: capo 2 + D minor shapes, capo 7 + A minor shapes.

How many sharps or flats does E minor have?

1 sharp (F♯). Its relative key, G major, shares the same key signature.

How do I transpose a song to E minor?

Move every chord by the same number of semitones — the progression player has a transpose control. For a whole PDF song sheet, the Buskermate app reads the chords and changes the key in one go.

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