E minor
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The E minor chord is a triad formed from a root (E), a minor third (G) and a perfect fifth (B).
How to play E minor on the piano
For beginners, playing the E minor chord may be easy, as it features no black keys. To find the root of the chord, look for the black keys in groups of two on the keyboard. Just to the right of these black keys, you'll find the E, the root of E minor.
To play E minor, you'll use the following notes: E, G, and B. You can play the chord in its root position by using the following fingers on your right hand:
B - Fifth finger (5)
G - Third finger (3)
E - First finger (1)
Read: Learn more about major and minor chords here.
With your left hand, you would use the following fingers to play the chord:
B - First finger (1)
G - Third finger (3)
E - Fifth finger (5)
In some instances, playing the chord might be easier with different fingers. To hear and see how the chord is built, watch our video of the E minor chord above.
What are the inversions of E minor?
Rearrange the order of the notes in E minor and you'll find the inversions of the chord. Read below to learn how to form the 1st and 2nd inversions.
How to play the 1st inversion of E minor
By placing the G as the lowest note in the chord, you can play the 1st inversion of E minor. Use the following fingers to play the chord with your right hand:
E - Fifth finger (5)
B - Second finger (2)
G - First finger (1)
Read: Here's everything you need to know about chord inversions.
How to play the 2nd inversion of E minor
When you place the B as the lowest note, you make the 2nd inversion of E minor. To play the chord with your right hand, use the following fingers:
G - Fifth finger (5)
E - Third finger (3)
B - First finger (1)
