The E minor scale on guitar is a fundamental scale that unlocks a wealth of musical expression. Instantly recognizable for its melancholic and somber character, the E minor scale stands in stark contrast to the brighter, more upbeat major scales. This evocative mood stems from a subtle yet significant difference in their construction – a shift that defines the very essence of minor tonality.
Understanding the E minor scale is crucial for any guitarist. In this lesson, we’ll dissect the notes that compose the E minor scale, explore various positions to play it across the fretboard, and delve into the chords that harmonize beautifully with it. By grasping these concepts, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how lead and rhythm guitar parts are crafted within the E minor scale, significantly enhancing your musical vocabulary and guitar skills.
Understanding the E Minor Scale
Before diving into finger positions, let’s first understand the building blocks of the E minor scale. Like all minor scales, the E minor scale is derived from its major counterpart by lowering the third degree by a half step. This seemingly small alteration creates the characteristic minor sound.
Notes of the E Minor Scale
The E minor scale is composed of seven distinct notes:
- E
- F# (F sharp)
- G
- A
- B
- C
- D
Notice the F sharp (F#). The sharp symbol (#) indicates that this note is a half-step higher than a natural F. This F# is crucial to the E minor scale’s structure and sound.
You can visualize the E minor scale as a pattern of whole and half steps:
Whole – Half – Whole – Whole – Half – Whole – Whole
Starting from E, this pattern unfolds as follows:
- E to F# is a Whole step
- F# to G is a Half step
- G to A is a Whole step
- A to B is a Whole step
- B to C is a Half step
- C to D is a Whole step
- D to E is a Whole step
This sequence of intervals is what defines the natural minor scale, and understanding it will help you grasp other minor scales in the future.
E Minor Scale Guitar Positions
One of the beauties of the guitar is that scales can be played in multiple positions along the fretboard. This allows for fluidity and expressiveness in your playing. Below, we’ll explore four essential positions for playing the Em Scale On Guitar.
In the diagrams that follow, the numbered dots represent where to place your fingers on the fretboard. Each finger is assigned a number:
- Index finger
- Middle finger
- Ring finger
- Pinkie finger
White dots indicate open strings, played without fretting.
Let’s dive into the positions.
Open Position E Minor Scale
The open position is located closest to the guitar’s headstock, utilizing open strings and the first few frets. This is often the first position guitarists learn due to its accessibility.
To play the E minor scale in the open position, you will primarily use the first four frets. Your index finger covers the 1st fret, middle finger the 2nd, ring finger the 3rd, and pinkie finger the 4th.
2nd Position E Minor Scale
Moving up the neck, the 2nd position shifts the scale up by one fret. Now, your index finger will start on the 2nd fret.
In the 2nd position, your index finger plays 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 E Minor Scale
The 7th position requires you to move further up the neck, utilizing frets 7, 8, 9, and 10. This position offers a different tonal color of the em scale on guitar due to its location on the fretboard.
To play the E minor scale in the 7th position, position your hand to play notes on the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th frets as shown in the diagram.
12th Position E Minor Scale
The 12th position is located around the octave mark on most guitars. Playing in this position brings the scale to a higher register, an octave above the open position.
In the 12th position, you will be playing notes on the 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th frets.
E Minor Scale Chords: Harmonizing the Scale
Scales and chords are intrinsically linked in music theory. For every scale, there’s a set of chords that naturally harmonize with it, creating a cohesive and pleasing sound. The em scale on guitar is no exception. Let’s explore the seven chords that are typically associated with the E minor scale.
These chords are derived from harmonizing each degree of the E minor scale. In essence, we build chords using only the notes within the E minor scale itself. This process results in a specific sequence of chord qualities (major, minor, diminished) that are characteristic of the minor key.
Here are the seven chords in the key of E minor:
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i – E Minor (Em): The root chord of the key, built on the 1st degree of the scale. Minor chords, as discussed, have that characteristic melancholic sound. The E minor chord is composed of the notes E, G, and B.
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ii° – F# Diminished (F#dim): Built on the 2nd degree, diminished chords create tension and instability. The F# diminished chord contains the notes F#, A, and C.
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III – G Major (G): Major chords are generally brighter and more stable. Built on the 3rd degree, the G major chord consists of G, B, and D.
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iv – A Minor (Am): Another minor chord, built on the 4th degree, reinforcing the minor tonality. The A minor chord comprises A, C, and E.
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v – B Minor (Bm): The chord built on the 5th degree, also minor. B minor is made up of B, D, and F#. Barre chords are often needed to play B minor effectively on guitar.
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VI – C Major (C): A major chord built on the 6th degree, offering a brighter contrast within the minor key. C major includes the notes C, E, and G.
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VII – D Major (D): The final chord in this sequence, a major chord built on the 7th degree. D major consists of D, F#, and A.
Understanding these chords allows you to create chord progressions, write songs, and improvise solos that are harmonically related to the em scale on guitar. Experimenting with these chords in sequence or in different orders will reveal the unique sonic landscape of the E minor key.
Practicing the E Minor Scale: Exercises for Mastery
To truly internalize the em scale on guitar, consistent practice is key. Here are a couple of exercises to help you develop your technique and muscle memory.
E Minor Scale Ascending and Descending
The most fundamental exercise is simply playing the scale up and down in each position.
- Ascending: Start on the root note (E) and play each note of the scale in order, moving up in pitch: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D, E (octave).
- Descending: Reverse the process, playing from the high octave E back down to the root E: E, D, C, B, A, G, F#, E.
Practice this slowly at first, focusing on clean notes and proper finger placement. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Use a metronome to develop your timing and rhythm.
Connecting Positions
Once you are comfortable with each position individually, try smoothly transitioning between them. This will allow you to play the em scale on guitar across a wider range of the fretboard without breaks.
For example, start in the open position, and as you reach the higher notes of that position, find the corresponding starting notes in the 2nd position and continue the scale upwards. Practice moving seamlessly between all four positions, both ascending and descending.
Regular practice of these exercises, along with exploring the harmonizing chords, will solidify your understanding of the E minor scale on guitar. This knowledge will not only improve your technical skills but also open up new avenues for musical creativity.
To further your guitar journey, explore more scales, chords, and techniques at guitarplayers.net. Happy playing!
