The E minor 7th (Em7) chord is a staple for guitarists across genres, celebrated for its rich, nuanced sound that adds depth and emotion to any piece. Composed of the notes E, G, B, and D, this chord’s minor key and 7th interval create a captivating sonic texture that’s both melancholic and beautiful.
For beginner guitar players, the good news is that Em7 has several accessible open position variations. These formations not only sound fantastic but are also relatively easy to learn. Let’s explore different ways to play the Em7 chord on guitar, delve into songs that showcase its versatility, and understand why this chord is essential for your guitar journey.
The Simplest Em7: One-Finger Magic
If you’re just starting out with guitar or already know the basic E minor chord, this Em7 voicing will feel like a natural extension. It’s incredibly straightforward, requiring you to fret only one note while strumming all six strings. This makes it an excellent entry point to the world of 7th chords.
- Middle finger: 2nd fret of the A (5th) string
Strumming all six strings from the low E string downwards will produce the notes E, B, D, G, B, and E, from lowest to highest. This voicing provides a full, resonant Em7 sound that is surprisingly rich for its simplicity.
“Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye: This iconic song perfectly demonstrates the power of this simple Em7. The repetitive and easy-to-follow chord progression in “Let’s Get It On” relies heavily on this Em7 voicing, creating a smooth, soulful groove. The Em7 in this context lays a foundation for Gaye’s passionate vocals and the song’s overall seductive atmosphere. Learning this Em7 formation opens the door to playing classic hits and understanding how a simple chord can be incredibly effective in songwriting.
Higher and Lighter: The Delicate Em7
For a brighter, more delicate Em7 sound, especially suited for melodic lines and softer musical passages, this next voicing is ideal. It involves omitting the lower E and A strings, focusing the chord’s sound on the higher strings.
In this variation, you’ll use three fingers on the higher strings, creating a tighter, more focused sound.
- 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
Strumming four strings down from the D string will give you a higher-pitched Em7, perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your playing.
“Say Yes” by Elliott Smith: Elliott Smith’s “Say Yes” masterfully uses this higher Em7 voicing, particularly in the bridge. The song’s intricate guitar work and emotional depth are enhanced by the delicate nature of this Em7. In the bridge, as the lyrics become more intense, the Em7 and other extended chords create a harmonic landscape that supports Smith’s poignant storytelling. This voicing allows for quick chord changes and melodic movement, which is crucial in Smith’s fingerstyle guitar arrangements. This example shows how choosing a specific Em7 voicing can dramatically impact the mood and texture of a song.
The Full Spectrum Em7: Six-String Richness
For the most complete and harmonically rich Em7 experience in open position, this six-string voicing is the way to go. It combines elements of the previous two voicings, requiring a bit more finger stretching but delivering a full, complex sound that fills the sonic space.
This formation uses four fingers to create a robust and resonant Em7 chord.
- 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
Strumming all six strings provides a full-bodied Em7 sound that is both powerful and nuanced.
“Live Forever” by Oasis: Oasis’s “Live Forever” uses this full Em7 voicing to great effect, especially in the chorus. The anthemic quality of the song is enhanced by the richness of this Em7, which contributes to the song’s powerful and uplifting feel. Starting right at the chorus with the line “Maybe I just wanna fly,” the Em7 provides a harmonic foundation that is both strong and emotionally resonant. This example highlights how a full-sounding Em7 can be used in rock and pop music to create memorable and impactful moments. Understanding how Oasis uses chord voicings like this can inspire you to explore similar sonic textures in your own playing.
Expanding Your Chord Vocabulary
Exploring different voicings of the Em7 chord is a great way to deepen your understanding of harmony and expand your guitar playing. Each voicing offers a unique sonic flavor, making the Em7 chord incredibly versatile across various musical styles. As you continue your guitar journey, paying attention to these nuances will help you make more informed choices in your own playing and songwriting.
To further enrich your chord knowledge, Fender Play offers an extensive chord library, lessons on chord types, and practical tips for mastering them. Experimenting with the Em7 chord and its different voicings is just the beginning.
Ready to unlock your musical potential? Start your free trial with Fender Play today and delve into a world of chords, songs, and guitar techniques that will inspire you to create your own signature sound.
