Em7 Guitar Chord

Em7 is the E minor seventh chord. It has four notes: E, G, B and D. It is one of the easiest chords on the guitar: the simplest version needs one finger, and you strum every string.

One finger, strum everything. A complete Em7 and one of the easiest chords there is.

How to play Em7, step by step

Middle finger: 2nd fret, A string
That is the whole chord. Every other string rings open.
Strum all six strings, low E included.

When one finger feels comfortable, add the ring finger on the B string for a fuller top end. From there, the four finger shape is the big strumming version you will meet in countless pop and folk songs: same four notes, thicker sound.

More ways to play Em7

There are 4 common Em7 shapes in total: the standard one at the top of the page, plus these, easiest first. You only ever need one. Tap any card to hear it.

Em7 guitar chord diagram, two fingers, played 020030 — Two fingers

Em7 guitar chord diagram, full sound, 4 fingers, played 022033 — Full sound, 4 fingers

Em7 guitar chord diagram, barre at fret 7, played x79787 — Barre at fret 7

If it sounds off

A string buzzes: Press the 2nd fret with the very tip of the finger, right behind the fret wire, not on top of it.
Open strings sound dull: Check that your fretting finger is not leaning on the D or G string. Four strings ring open in this chord; they need room.
It sounds the same as Em: Listen for the D note. In the one finger shape it is the open D string. If you cannot hear the difference, play Em then Em7 back to back and compare.

What makes it an Em7

E · G · B · D 1 ♭3 5 ♭7

Em7 is a minor seventh chord: an E minor triad (E, G, B) plus a minor seventh (D). The added D softens the sound. Where a dominant seventh pushes toward another chord, a minor seventh sits still and relaxed. Em7 works as the ii chord in the key of D and the vi chord in the key of G, two of the most common jobs in popular music.

Em vs Em7

Em has three notes; Em7 adds a D. On guitar the two shapes are almost the same, and in many pop and folk songs they are interchangeable. Em7 sounds softer and a little jazzier. If a song leans on the plain minor sound, stay with Em.

Em7 chord questions

Is Em7 a good beginner chord?

Yes, one of the best. The simplest version needs one finger and no barre, and it appears in a huge number of easy songs.

What is the difference between Em and Em7?

Em7 adds a D note to the three notes of Em. The shapes are nearly identical; Em7 sounds softer and less dark.

Do you strum all six strings in Em7?

Yes. In the open shapes every string is part of the chord, including both E strings.

Can I play Em7 instead of Em?

Often yes, especially in pop and folk. The two chords share three notes. If the song depends on the plain minor sound, keep Em.