The Em7 Guitar Chord is a staple for guitarists across genres, known for its rich, mellow, and slightly melancholic sound. Composed of the notes E, G, B, and D, this chord adds depth and sophistication to your playing, moving beyond the basic E minor. Whether you’re a beginner just starting your chord journey or an experienced player looking to expand your voicing vocabulary, understanding the Em7 is essential.
This guide will explore several accessible ways to play the Em7 chord in open position, perfect for beginner guitarists. We’ll break down finger placements, discuss the unique sonic character of each variation, and highlight popular songs that beautifully feature the Em7 chord. Get ready to unlock a new dimension in your guitar playing.
The Simplest Em7: A One-Finger Wonder
If you’re already acquainted with the open E minor chord, you’ll find this Em7 variation incredibly easy to grasp. It requires fretting just a single note, making it a fantastic entry point to the world of 7th chords. This version is remarkably efficient and produces a full, resonant sound across all six strings.
To play this simple Em7:
- Middle finger: Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A (5th) string.
- Strum all six strings from the low E string downwards.
Strumming this formation from the low E string produces the notes E, B, D, G, B, and E, from lowest to highest. This voicing provides a deep and foundational Em7 sound, perfect for rhythmic strumming and chord progressions that need a solid base.
This particular Em7 voicing shines in Marvin Gaye’s iconic hit, “Let’s Get It On.” The song’s chord progression is intentionally simple and repetitive, creating a groove that is both sensual and captivating. The Em7 here is a crucial part of this rhythmic foundation, allowing Gaye’s soulful vocals, the wah-wah guitar, and the horn section to truly stand out. Learning this Em7 position is a quick way to access classic songs and start incorporating richer chords into your playing.
A Higher-Pitched Em7: Delicate and Expressive
For a brighter, more delicate Em7 sound, this variation offers a higher register voicing. By omitting the lower E and A strings, this Em7 becomes airier and more articulate, ideal for melodic passages and songs where you want a lighter harmonic texture.
In this version, you will use three fingers and focus on the higher strings:
- Middle finger: 2nd fret of the D (4th) string.
- Ring finger: 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Pinky finger: 3rd fret of the high E (1st) string.
- Strum only the top four strings, starting from the D string.
Strumming from the D string down gives you the notes D, G, B, and E. This higher-pitched Em7 offers a distinctly different flavor compared to the first version. It’s particularly well-suited for fingerpicking patterns and chord melodies where clarity and brightness are desired.
Listen to Elliott Smith’s “Say Yes” to hear this Em7 variation in action, particularly in the bridge section of the song. Featured on his album Either/Or, “Say Yes” showcases Smith’s intricate guitar work and poignant songwriting. The bridge utilizes this higher Em7 voicing to create a sense of harmonic movement and emotional depth behind lyrics like “Crooked spin can’t come to rest. I’m damaged bad, at best.” The use of this Em7 allows for smooth transitions between chords, especially when the bass notes are shifting, demonstrating the practical and musical advantages of this voicing. The song itself is a testament to the power of even seemingly simple chord choices in creating compelling music.
The Full-Bodied Em7: A Rich Six-String Voicing
For the most comprehensive and harmonically rich open position Em7, this six-string version combines elements of the previous two. It requires a bit more finger stretching but delivers a full, complex sound that is incredibly satisfying. This voicing is perfect when you want the complete sonic spectrum of the Em7 chord.
To play this full Em7:
- Index finger: 2nd fret of the A (5th) string.
- Middle finger: 2nd fret of the D (4th) string.
- Ring finger: 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Pinky finger: 3rd fret of the high E (1st) string.
- Strum all six strings.
Strumming all six strings produces a full and resonant Em7 chord, encompassing a wide range of frequencies. This voicing is particularly powerful in band settings or when you want your guitar to have a strong presence in the mix.
Hear this full-bodied Em7 in Oasis’s anthemic song, “Live Forever.” Listen to the chorus, beginning with the line “Maybe I just wanna fly,” and you’ll immediately recognize the rich texture of this Em7. Oasis frequently utilized expanded chords to create their signature sound, and this Em7 fits perfectly within their musical palette. This example illustrates how understanding different chord voicings allows you to recognize patterns in your favorite musicians’ playing styles and incorporate similar techniques into your own music.
Exploring Em7 Further
These three open position variations are just the beginning of your Em7 journey. As you progress, you can explore barre chord versions of Em7 up the neck, further expanding your sonic possibilities and fretboard knowledge. Understanding the nuances of each voicing and how they contribute to different musical styles will significantly enhance your guitar playing.
To deepen your understanding of chords, explore resources like Fender Play’s chord library and delve into learning about different chord types and techniques for mastering them.
Ready to unlock even more musical possibilities? Start your free trial of Fender Play today to discover a world of chords, songs, and skills that will inspire you on your guitar journey!
