The E Minor 7 Guitar Chord (often written as Em7) is a sonically rich and emotionally evocative chord that every guitarist should have in their repertoire. Composed of four notes – E, G, B, and D – it blends the inherent melancholy of the minor key with the added color of the 7th interval, creating a sound that is both sophisticated and surprisingly accessible. For those unfamiliar with music theory, these notes are derived from the E minor scale, where G is the flat 3rd and D is the minor 7th. This combination lends the Em7 chord its distinctive, jazzy, and soulful character.
Fortunately for guitarists, especially beginners, there are several easy ways to play the Em7 chord in open position using standard tuning. These variations not only simplify finger placement but also offer different sonic textures, each suitable for various musical contexts. Let’s explore some of the most useful Em7 chord shapes and delve into popular songs that beautifully showcase each voicing.
Effortless Em7: The One-Finger Variation
If you’re just starting your guitar journey or are comfortable with the basic open E minor chord, this Em7 variation will feel incredibly intuitive. It requires fretting only one note and strumming all six strings, making it a breeze to learn and play. This is often the first Em7 chord shape that beginner guitarists encounter due to its simplicity.
- Middle finger: 2nd fret of the A (5th) string
Strumming all six strings from the low E string downwards produces the notes E, B, D, G, B, and E, from lowest to highest pitch. This voicing provides a full and resonant Em7 sound with minimal effort.
This simple yet deeply effective version of the Em7 chord is famously featured in Marvin Gaye’s timeless hit “Let’s Get It On.” The song’s chord progression is intentionally repetitive and straightforward, creating a solid foundation for the song’s sensual groove. The Em7 chord, in this context, adds a layer of sophistication without disrupting the song’s accessibility. It allows other musical elements to shine: Gaye’s passionate vocals, the iconic wah-wah guitar, lush horn arrangements, warm backing vocals, and the restrained yet powerful drums. The Em7 here is a cornerstone of the song’s inviting and seductive atmosphere.
Learning this Em7 formation is a quick win, instantly unlocking the ability to play classic songs like this 1973 chart-topper.
Delicate and High: The Partial Em7 Chord
For a brighter, more delicate Em7 sound, particularly suited for lighter musical passages, this next variation is ideal. This voicing omits the lower E and A strings, focusing the chord’s energy in a higher register.
In this version, you will use three fingers: your pinky and ring fingers on the 3rd fret of the high E and B strings respectively, and your middle finger stretching to the 2nd fret on the D 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 E (1st) string
Strumming four strings downwards from the D string yields a higher-pitched, more crystalline Em7.
This voicing shines in songs that require a touch of lightness and airiness. A perfect example is the bridge in “Say Yes” by the late Elliott Smith. Featured on his 1997 album Either/Or and in the Good Will Hunting soundtrack, “Say Yes” is a masterclass in songwriting economy and emotional impact.
The bridge section of “Say Yes,” with lyrics like “Crooked spin can’t come to rest. I’m damaged bad, at best,” showcases Smith’s lyrical and harmonic genius. The guitar work during this section involves rapid transitions between complex chords, made smoother by the intelligent use of this particular Em7 voicing. The positioning of the pinky and ring fingers remains constant across several chord changes, allowing the index finger to efficiently manage the shifting bass notes. This clever chord choice contributes to the bridge’s flowing and intricate character, culminating in the song’s poignant core message: “They want you or they don’t. Say yes.” This song alone provides compelling motivation to master the guitar, and this Em7 voicing is a key ingredient in its magic.
The Full Spectrum Em7: A Rich 6-String Voicing
For the most comprehensive and harmonically rich Em7 experience in open position, this final variation combines elements of the previous two. This formation requires a bit more finger dexterity but delivers a full, complex sound that utilizes all six strings.
- 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 E (1st) string
Strumming all six strings creates the fullest, most layered Em7 sound among the open position variations. While it demands a slightly larger finger stretch, the resulting sonic richness is well worth the effort.
As you gain more playing experience, you’ll begin to appreciate the subtle nuances between different chord voicings. Listening to this particular 6-string Em7, it becomes clear why Oasis chose it for their anthemic song “Live Forever.” The chord appears prominently at the beginning of the chorus with the line “Maybe I just wanna fly.” The sheer fullness of this Em7 perfectly complements the expansive and emotive quality of Oasis’s signature sound, characterized by lush, extended chords. Recognizing these patterns is part of musical development. Every musician develops a unique sonic identity built from such choices in chord voicings and arrangements.
To deepen your understanding of chords, explore resources like Fender Play’s chord library to learn about various chord types and techniques for mastering them.
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