Em7 Chord
Smooth, funky, ubiquitous in soul and jazz — minor triad plus flat 7.
Em7
Notes in this voicing: E · B · D · G
Root
E
Quality
Minor 7th
Difficulty
Intermediate
Type
Extended
String-by-String Fingering
Low EO
Play the Low E string open (E).
AFret 2
Fret the A string at fret 2 with your middle finger (B).
DO
Play the D string open (D).
GO
Play the G string open (G).
BO
Play the B string open (B).
High EO
Play the High E string open (E).
Finger Number Legend
1Index
2Middle
3Ring
4Pinky
How to Play It
- Start your strum from the Low E string and avoid any strings marked X.
- Keep your fingertips close to the fret wire so the Em7 chord rings without buzz.
- Use as your default 'minor' voicing in modern styles.
- Roots on the 6th and 5th strings give you the two shapes you need.
Suggested Strumming Pattern
Down, down-up, pause, up-down-up; let the upper notes breathe instead of over-strumming.
Common Mistakes
- Muting the b7 by fretting too high on the neck.
Songs That Use This Chord Type
- • Superstition — Stevie Wonder
- • Breezin' — George Benson
Alternative Shape
Try this movable version when you need a different neck position, a tighter rock rhythm sound, or a smoother transition from nearby barre chords.
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