E minor piano chord

How to play Em on piano

First, find E, the root of this chord. Then add G, the minor third. Add B to complete the triad.

Play the notes together to hear the harmony, or one at a time to hear how the intervals form the chord. Start at a comfortable octave; the diagram shows one reference voicing, not the only valid place to play it.

What makes Em distinctive?

E minor is a compact white-key shape: E, G and B. The minor third, G, creates the characteristic darker quality.

Compare this chord with another

Try E minor followed by G major (G–B–D). Keeping G and B in place makes the relationship immediately audible.

A practice exercise for Em

Play E–G–B, then G–B–D. Move only E to D, and listen before looking down at the keys.

One mistake to avoid

Do not raise G to G♯ unless you want E major. The two chords share their root and fifth but not their third.

A simple practice routine

• Say each note name aloud as you find its key.
• Play the root-position chord, then release the keys evenly.
• Move to first inversion and listen to the bass change.
• Return to root position without looking at the diagram.

Finger numbers depend on your hand size, octave and musical context; there isn't one universally correct fingering for every voicing.