Em9 Guitar Chord

Em9 is the E minor ninth chord. It has five notes: E, G, B, D and F sharp. The open shape needs only two fingers, because the open strings of the guitar already supply the rest of the chord.

13EBDGBF♯

An open Em7 with the high E string pressed at the 2nd fret to add the ninth. Two fingers, six strings, five different notes.

How to play Em9, step by step

  1. Index finger: 2nd fret, A string
  2. Ring finger: 2nd fret, high E string
  3. Strum all six strings.

This is an open Em7 with the top string pressed at the 2nd fret. Two fingers for a five note chord is as good a deal as the guitar offers.

More ways to play Em9

There are 2 common Em9 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.

Barre at fret 7
Em9 guitar chord diagram, barre at fret 7, played x75777

Tighter and higher than the six string shape, and easier to keep clean. The notes sit close together, so the chord speaks quickly.

If it sounds muddy

The chord sounds like Em7
Check the high E string is fretted at the 2nd fret. That note is the ninth, and without it you are playing Em7.
Open strings blur together
Four open strings ring for a long time. If the chord smears into the next one, damp the strings with the side of the strumming hand as you change.
The A string note is weak
The index holds the 2nd fret of the A string and it is easy to under press when the hand is relaxed. Give it a firm fingertip.

What makes it an Em9

E · G · B · D · F♯ 1 ♭3 5 ♭7 9

Em9 is an Em7 chord with a ninth added: E, G, B and D make Em7, and the F sharp on top makes it a ninth. All five notes fit in the open shape, which is unusual for a five note chord.

Its most common job is the ii chord in the key of D, and it works as a richer substitute for E minor anywhere. Minor ninths are the standard minor chord of soul and neo soul, because the ninth removes the plainness of a minor seventh without making it sound sad.

Em9 vs Em7

Em9 is Em7 with an F sharp added on the top string. Em7 is completely settled; Em9 is settled but with a shimmer on top.

The two shapes are one finger apart, so it is easy to hear what the ninth adds. In most songs where Em7 is written, Em9 can be played instead.

Em9 chord questions

Is Em9 hard to play?

No. The open shape is two fingers: one on the A string at the 2nd fret and one on the high E at the 2nd fret. It is one of the easiest five note chords on the guitar.

What is the difference between Em9 and Em7?

Em9 has an F sharp, the ninth, on top of the four notes of Em7. Em7 sounds plain and restful, Em9 sounds richer and more modern.

Is Em9 the same as Em add9?

No. Em add9 would be E minor with a ninth but no seventh. Em9 contains the D, the flat seventh, as well as the F sharp.

Where is Em9 used?

As the ii chord in D, as a fuller version of E minor in any key that contains it, and constantly in soul, R and B and jazz.

Do you strum all six strings?

Yes. Every string in the open shape sounds a note of the chord.

Chords to learn next

Other E chords