The E minor scale is a fantastic gateway to exploring deeper, more emotive sounds on your guitar. Unlike the upbeat and bright nature of major scales, the E minor scale immediately introduces a sense of melancholy and darkness. This shift in mood is fundamental to the difference between major and minor tonalities in music.
The distinction between major and minor scales, and consequently major and minor chords, arises from a subtle but impactful alteration. By lowering the third note of any major scale by just a half step, you unlock that signature minor sound, rich with emotion.
In this lesson, we will delve into the notes that constitute the E minor scale and guide you through the finger positions on your guitar to play it effectively. Building upon this foundation, we’ll explore the chords that are harmonically derived from these same notes, enabling you to play a harmonized E minor scale. Understanding which chords naturally complement the E minor scale is crucial for grasping both lead and rhythm guitar parts written in this key.
Understanding the E Minor Scale Notes
The E minor scale is composed of seven distinct notes:
- E
- F#
- G
- A
- B
- C
- D
The symbol ‘#’ next to F indicates that it is F sharp, which is a half-step (one fret) higher than the natural note F.
Like all scales on the guitar, the E minor scale can be played in multiple positions across the fretboard. Let’s examine different positions and the corresponding hand and finger placements for each note.
E Minor Scale Positions on Guitar
One of the most effective ways to learn the E minor scale is by utilizing guitar neck scale diagrams. These diagrams visually represent the fretboard, guiding your finger placement to play the scale accurately.
The numbered dots on these diagrams indicate where your fingers should be placed on the fretboard. Each finger on your fretting hand is assigned a number to denote proper finger placement:
- Index finger
- Middle finger
- Ring finger
- Pinkie finger
White dots on the diagrams represent open strings, which are played without pressing down on a fret.
Similar to all guitar scales, the E minor scale is versatile and can be played in several positions along the guitar neck. Each position requires specific fingerings and hand adjustments. In this lesson, we will explore four fundamental E minor scale positions to get you started.
Open Position
To play the E minor scale in the open position, you’ll primarily use the first four frets of your guitar. Assign your index finger to notes on the 1st fret, middle finger to the 2nd fret, ring finger to the 3rd fret, and pinkie finger to the 4th fret.
2nd Position
To shift to the 2nd position E minor scale, move your hand up one fret. Now, your index finger will cover notes on the 2nd fret, middle finger on the 3rd fret, ring finger on the 4th fret, and pinkie finger on the 5th fret.
7th Position
Playing the E minor scale in the 7th position involves positioning your hand higher up the neck to play notes on the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th frets, as illustrated in the diagram below.
12th Position
To play the E minor scale in the 12th position, you will be playing notes on the 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th frets as shown in the following diagram.
Harmonizing the E Minor Scale with Chords
Once you are comfortable with the E minor scale, you can begin to pair it with guitar chords. Just as the E minor scale contains seven notes, we will explore seven chords that harmonize with each step of the scale. We will briefly touch upon the music theory behind each chord and provide chord diagrams to assist you in learning them within the context of the E minor scale.
E Minor Chord
As mentioned earlier, the distinction between minor and major chords is subtle yet significant. A major chord is constructed from the root (first) note of the scale, the major third, and the perfect fifth. In contrast, a minor chord consists of the root, the minor third (which is a half-step lower than the major third), and the perfect fifth. The notes forming the E minor chord are E, G, and B. Explore resources to learn how to play the E minor chord.
F# Diminished Chord (F# dim)
A diminished chord is characterized by its unique construction, featuring a minor third and a diminished fifth. Unlike major and minor chords, it technically doesn’t have a root note, contributing to its unresolved and often dissonant sound. The notes in the F# diminished chord are F#, A, and C. Find resources to learn how to play the F# diminished chord.
G Major Chord
The G major chord is built from the root G, the major third B, and the perfect fifth D. Resources are available to guide you on playing the G major chord.
A Minor Chord
The A minor chord is composed of the root A, the minor third C, and the perfect fifth E. You can find tutorials and diagrams to learn the A minor chord.
B Minor Chord
The B minor chord includes the root B, the minor third D, and the perfect fifth F#. Playing this chord on guitar often involves learning barre chords, a fundamental technique. Discover resources to learn how to play the B minor chord.
C Major Chord
The C major chord consists of the root C, the major third E, and the perfect fifth G. Numerous resources can help you learn to play the C major chord.
D Major Chord
The D major chord is made up of the root D, the major third F#, and the perfect fifth A. Explore learning materials to master the D major chord.
Practicing the E Minor Scale and Chords
To solidify your understanding, let’s try some E minor scale exercises. Before diving into these exercises and drills, it’s essential to warm up by practicing the E minor scale slowly in each position, as well as playing through the chords associated with the E minor scale.
When you are learning, it’s best to begin slowly, concentrating on achieving a clear sound for each note while maintaining correct finger positions. As you develop dexterity and finger strength, you can gradually increase your playing speed.
E Minor Scale Ascending and Descending Exercise
One of the most effective methods for memorizing the E minor scale is to practice ascending and descending the scale in each position. Begin on the root note and ascend: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D. Then, descend back down: D, C, B, A, G, F#, E. Repeat this exercise in all positions to internalize the scale.
To expand your chord vocabulary further, browse Fender Play’s comprehensive chord library, learn about different chord types, and access tips for mastering them.
If you’re ready to take your guitar playing to the next level, sign up for a free Fender Play trial today!
