How to play the Em7 chord on guitar

The Em7 chord, pronounced "E minor seventh," is a versatile and widely used chord in various musical genres. It is played by placing the first finger on the second fret of the A string, while leaving the other strings open. The Em7 chord adds a dreamy and slightly melancholic feel to songs, making it a popular choice in folk, indie, and acoustic music.

The Em7 chord is typically played as an open chord on the guitar, without requiring any barre fingering.

Follow these finger positions to play an Em7 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th (A) string.
2. Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th (D) string.

Strum all six strings together to play the Em7 chord, allowing the high E, B, G, and low E strings to ring open.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Em7 chord, try placing your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and leave the high E string open. Strum all six strings for a basic Em7 chord.

The Em7 barre chord shape is a great alternative to the standard open chord shape, as it allows you to play the chord anywhere on the fretboard and adds a fuller, more professional sound to your playing.

Here's how to play an Em7 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 7th fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
5. Strum all six strings from the low E string to the high E string.

The Em7 chord is often used in progressions that evoke a melancholic, introspective, or wistful emotional feel. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the Em7 chord:

• i7 - IV7 - V7 (Em7 - A7 - B7) - Used in "Autumn Leaves" and "My Funny Valentine"
• i7 - ii7 - V7 (Em7 - F#m7 - B7) - Used in "All the Things You Are"
• i7 - VI7 - ii7 - V7 (Em7 - C7 - F#m7 - B7) - Used in "Take the 'A' Train"
• i7 - iv7 - VII7 - III7 (Em7 - Am7 - D7 - G7)
• i7 - VII7 - VI7 - VII7 (Em7 - D7 - C7 - D7) - Used in "Fly Me to the Moon"

To master the Em7 chord, try this simple drill: strum the chord, then individually pick each note (E, G, B, D) in sequence. This helps your fingers memorize the shape and enhances muscle memory.

Another effective drill is to switch between Em7 and other chords you're comfortable with, like Am or G. Start slowly, ensuring each transition is smooth and clean. Gradually increase your speed as you build confidence. With practice, you'll be playing Em7 effortlessly in no time!

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Em7 chord:

1. Hey Jude by The Beatles (F, C, G, D, Em7, A7, Dm)
2. Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton (G, D, C, Em7, Am7, Bm)
3. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (Am, G, C, D, F, Am7, Em7)
4. Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (Em7, G, A, Em, C, D, Am)
5. The Scientist by Coldplay (Em7, A7sus4, Dmaj7, Bm7)
6. Blackbird by The Beatles (G, A, Bm, Em7, C)
7. Free Fallin' by Tom Petty (D, A, G, Em7, Asus4)
8. Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton (A, E, D, Em7, C#m7, Bm7, F#m)
9. Dust in the Wind by Kansas (C, Am, Dm, G, Em7)
10. More Than Words by Extreme (G, Cadd9, Em7, D, Am7, C, Dsus4)