Fingering and position
Place the middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, the ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string. 4 strings ring open.
Difficulty
The Em chord is rated beginner. A great starting point for new guitarists.
Often paired chords
Exercise: shuffle it in
A chord on its own gets forgotten. The right reflex: shuffle it with the chords you already know. Launch a shuffle that includes this chord and play it 10 times in different contexts.
The Em chord truly comes alive in motion. Launch a shuffle that includes it and play it across 3 or 4 different contexts: that is the best way to embed it in finger memory. Category: Beginner.
Play a shuffle with EmFrequently asked questions
- What is the fingering for the Em chord on guitar?
- Place the middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, the ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string. 4 strings ring open.
- Is the Em chord easy for a beginner?
- The Em chord is rated beginner. A great starting point for new guitarists.
- Does the Em chord require a barre?
- No, Em is played without a barre: it is an open chord, accessible to beginners.
- Which chords pair well with Em on guitar?
- Em pairs naturally with Am, C, G, D. Practise them in a shuffle to memorise the transitions.
Further reading