Em6 Chord (E minor 6th) on Guitar
Em6 (E minor 6th) is made of the notes E – G – B – C#. The easiest guitar fingering is 042000 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it comfortable to play.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play Em6
- Play the 6th string (low E) open (E).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 4 (C#).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2 (E).
- Play the 3rd string (G) open (G).
- Play the 2nd string (B) open (B).
- Play the 1st string (high e) open (E).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | 0 (open) | E | R |
| 5th string (A) | 4 | C# | 6 |
| 4th string (D) | 2 | E | R |
| 3rd string (G) | 0 (open) | G | b3 |
| 2nd string (B) | 0 (open) | B | 5 |
| 1st string (high e) | 0 (open) | E | R |
What is a E minor 6th chord?
A minor 6th chord adds the major sixth to a minor triad.
Notes and formula. Em6 contains E, G, B, C#. Counted from the root E, that is R (root), b3 (minor 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 6 (major 6th).
Sound. Mysterious and film-noir. It is minor, but with an unexpected lift on top.
Where it is used. Used in jazz, bossa nova, gypsy jazz and cinematic music, often as a stand-in for the plain minor chord.
Tips for playing Em6
Try it as the first chord in a minor song for an instant dramatic mood.
Common mistake: Mixing it up with the minor 7th. The major 6th sits a half step below the flat 7th, so the two chords sound close but not identical.
Scales to play over Em6
Related chords
Em6 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Em6 chord?
Em6 (E minor 6th) contains the notes E, G, B, C#. The formula is R–b3–5–6 relative to the root E.
How do you play Em6 on guitar?
The most common shape for Em6 is 042000, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it comfortable to play.
Is Em6 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it comfortable to play.
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