The E minor scale is a musical scale that is commonly used in guitar playing. It consists of seven notes, which are all found on the guitar fretboard. The notes of the E minor scale are E, A, D, G, B, and E.
The E natural minor scale is a musical scale that consists of the pitches E, F♯, G, A, B, C, and D. It has one sharp in its key signature.
The notes of the E natural minor scale are:
- E
- F♯
- G
- A
- B
- C
- D
Scale Degrees of the E Natural Minor Scale
The scale degrees of the E natural minor scale are:
- Supertonic: F#
- Subdominant: A
- Subtonic: D
- Octave: E
The Relative Major Key
The relative major key for the key of E minor is G major. A natural minor scale/key consists of the same notes as its relative major. The notes of the G major scale are G, A, B, C, D, E, F#. As you can see, the E natural minor uses these same notes, except that the sixth note of the major scale becomes the root note of its relative minor.
Formula for Forming a Natural (or Pure) Minor Scale
The formula for forming a natural (or pure) minor scale is W-H-W-W-H-W-W. “W” stands for whole step and “H” stands for half step. To build an E natural minor scale, starting on E, you take a whole step to F#. Next, you take a half step to G. From G, a whole step takes you to A. Another whole step takes you to B. From B, you go up a half step to C. From C, you take a whole step to D. Lastly, one more whole step returns you to E, one octave higher.
Fingerings for the E Natural Minor Scale
The fingerings for the E natural minor scale are as follows:
- Notes: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D, E
- Fingerings (Left Hand): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1
- Fingerings (Right Hand): 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Thumb: 1, index finger: 2, middle finger: 3, ring finger: 4 and pinky finger: 5.
Chords in the Key of E Natural Minor
The chords in the key of E natural minor are:
- Chord i: E minor. Its notes are E – G – B.
- Chord ii: F# diminished. Its notes are F# – A – C.
- Chord III: G major. Its notes are G – B – D.
- Chord iv: A minor. Its notes are A – C – E.
- Chord v: B minor. Its notes are B – D – F#.
- Chord VI: C major. Its notes are C – E – G.
- Chord VII: D major. Its notes are D – F# – A.
Learning the E Natural Minor Scale
Ready to learn the E natural minor scale? Check out this awesome online piano/keyboard course for some of the best lessons around. And don’t forget to watch the video below to get a better understanding of the chords in the key of E minor. Good luck!
Exploring the E Harmonic Minor Scale
What is the E Harmonic Minor Scale?
The E harmonic minor scale is a variation of the natural minor scale. To play it, you simply raise the seventh note of the natural minor scale by a half-step as you go up and down the scale.
How to Play the E Harmonic Minor Scale
Here’s the formula for forming a harmonic minor scale: W-H-W-W-H-W 1/2-H (Whole step – half step – whole step – whole step – half step – whole step and a 1/2 step – half step).
Intervals of the E Harmonic Minor Scale
- Tonic: The 1st note of the E harmonic minor scale is E.
- Major 2nd: The 2nd note of the scale is F#.
- Minor 3rd: The 3rd note of the scale is G.
- Perfect 5th: The 5th is B.
- Perfect 8th: The 8th note is E.
Visualizing the E Harmonic Minor Scale
If you’re a visual learner, here’s a few diagrams to help you out:
- Here’s the scale on the treble clef.
- Here’s the scale on the bass clef.
- Here’s a diagram of the harmonic E minor scale on piano.
Ready to Rock?
Now that you know the basics of the E harmonic minor scale, it’s time to get out there and start rocking!
What is the E Melodic Minor Scale?
Ascending
The E melodic minor scale is a variation of the natural minor scale, where you raise the sixth and seventh notes of the scale by a half step as you go up the scale. The notes of the E melodic minor scale ascending are:
- E
- F♯
- G
- A
- B
- C#
- D#
- E
Descending
When descending, you return to the natural minor scale. The notes of the E melodic minor scale descending are:
- E
- F♯
- G
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
Formula
The formula for a melodic minor scale is whole step – half step – whole step – whole step – whole step – whole step – half step. (W-H-W-W-W-W-H) The descending formula is the natural minor scale formula backwards.
Intervals
The intervals of the E melodic minor scale are as follows:
- Tonic: The 1st note of the E melodic minor scale is E.
- Major 2nd: The 2nd note of the scale is F#.
- Minor 3rd: The 3rd note of the scale is G.
- Perfect 5th: The 5th note of the scale is B.
- Perfect 8th: The 8th note of the scale is E.
Diagrams
Here are some diagrams of the E melodic minor scale on piano and on the treble and bass clefs:
- Piano
- Treble Clef
- Bass Clef
Remember that for the melodic minor scale, when descending, you play the natural minor scale.
Playing E Minor on the Piano: A Beginner’s Guide
Finding the Root of the Chord
If you’re just starting out on the piano, you’ll be glad to know that playing the E minor chord is a piece of cake! You won’t need to worry about any pesky black keys. To find the root of the chord, just look for the two black keys grouped together. Right next to them, you’ll find the E – the root of the E minor chord.
Playing the Chord
To play E minor, you’ll need the following notes:
- E
- G
- B
If you’re playing with your right hand, you’ll use the following fingers:
- B (fifth finger)
- G (third finger)
- E (first finger)
And if you’re playing with your left hand, you’ll use:
- B (first finger)
- G (third finger)
- E (fifth finger)
Sometimes it’s easier to play the chord with different fingers. To get a better idea of how the chord is built, check out our video tutorial!
Wrapping Up
So there you have it – playing E minor on the piano is a breeze! Just remember the notes, find the root of the chord, and use the right fingers. Before you know it, you’ll be playing like a pro!
How to Play E Minor Inversions
What are Inversions?
Inversions are a way of rearranging the notes of a chord to create different sounds. They can be used to add complexity and depth to a song.
How to Play the 1st Inversion of E Minor
To play the 1st inversion of E minor, you’ll need to place the G as the lowest note in the chord. Here’s how to do it:
- Use your fifth finger (5) to play the E
- Use your second finger (2) to play the B
- Use your first finger (1) to play the G
How to Play the 2nd Inversion of E Minor
To play the 2nd inversion of E minor, you’ll need to place the B as the lowest note in the chord. Here’s how to do it:
- Use your fifth finger (5) to play the G
- Use your third finger (3) to play the E
- Use your first finger (1) to play the B
So there you have it – two easy ways to play the inversions of E minor. Now go forth and make some sweet music!
Understanding the E Minor Scale on Guitar
Using the E Minor Scale on Guitar
If you want to use the E minor scale on guitar, there are a few different ways to do it:
- Show all notes: You can show all the notes of the E minor scale on the guitar fretboard.
- Show only the root notes: You can show just the root notes of the E minor scale on the guitar fretboard.
- Show the intervals: You can show the intervals of the E minor scale on the guitar fretboard.
- Show the scale: You can show the entire E minor scale on the guitar fretboard.
Highlighting Specific Scale Positions
If you want to highlight specific scale positions on the guitar fretboard for the E minor scale, you can use either the CAGED system or the Three Notes Per String system (TNPS). Here’s a quick breakdown of each:
- CAGED: This system is based on the five basic open chord shapes, which are C, A, G, E, and D.
- TNPS: This system uses three notes per string, which allows you to play the entire scale in one position.
No matter which system you choose, you’ll be able to easily highlight specific scale positions on the guitar fretboard for the E minor scale.
Understanding Chords in the Key of E Minor
What Are Diatonic Chords?
Diatonic chords are chords that are built from the notes of a particular key or scale. In the key of E minor, the diatonic chords are F♯ diminished, G major, B minor, C major and D major.
How Can I Use These Chords?
These chords can be used to create chord progressions and melodies. Here are some of the ways you can use them:
- Tap or use numbers 1 through 7 to trigger the chords.
- Trigger chord inversions or the 7th chords.
- Use as a chord progression generator.
- Create dreamy keys with arpeggiate.
- Try downUp, alternateDown, randomOnce, randomWalk or humanize.
What Do These Chords Represent?
The chords in the key of E minor represent the following intervals and scale degrees:
- Unison (E min)
- ii° (F♯ dim)
- III (G maj)
- V (B min)
- VI (C maj)
- VII (D maj)
What Are the Different Types of Minor Scales?
The two main types of minor scales are the harmonic minor scale and the melodic minor scale.
Harmonic Minor Scale
The harmonic minor scale is created by raising the 7th degree by a half step (semitone). That 7th degree becomes a leading-tone instead of a subtonic. It has a rather exotic sound, created by the gap between the 6th and 7th degrees.
Melodic Minor Scale
The melodic minor scale is created by raising the 6th and 7th degrees when ascending, and lowering them when descending. This creates a smoother sound than the harmonic minor scale. An alternative way of coming down the scale is using the natural minor scale down.
Conclusion
Understanding chords in the key of E minor can help you create beautiful melodies and chord progressions. With the right knowledge, you can use the diatonic chords to create unique and interesting music.
Unlocking the Power of E Minor Chords
What are E Minor Chords?
E minor chords are a type of chord used in music composition. They are made up of three notes: E, G, and B. When these notes are played together, they create a sound that is both soothing and melancholic.
How to Play E Minor Chords
Playing E minor chords is easy! All you need is a keyboard and some basic knowledge of music theory. Here’s what you do:
- Use the numbers 1 through 7 on your keyboard to trigger the different chords.
- Start with an E minor chord.
- Move up a half step to a C major chord.
- Move down a half step to a B minor chord.
- Move up a whole step to a G major chord.
- Move down a whole step to a F♯ diminished chord.
- Move up a half step to a B minor chord.
- Move up a whole step to a C major chord.
- Move up a whole step to a D major chord.
- Move down a half step to a D major chord.
- Move down a whole step to a C major chord.
- Move up a half step to a D major chord.
- Move up a whole step to an E minor chord.
- Move up a half step to a B minor chord.
And that’s it! You’ve just played a common E minor chord progression. Now, go forth and make some beautiful music!
Understanding the Intervals and Scale Degrees of E Minor
What are Intervals?
Intervals are the distances between two notes. They can be measured in semitones or whole tones. In music, intervals are used to create melodies and harmonies.
What are Scale Degrees?
Scale degrees are the notes of a scale in order. For example, in the E minor scale, the first note is E, the second note is F♯, the third note is G, and so on.
The Intervals and Scale Degrees of E Minor
Let’s take a look at the intervals and scale degrees of E minor:
- Unison: This is when two notes are the same. In the E minor scale, the first and last notes are both E.
- F♯: This is the second note of the E minor scale. It’s a whole tone higher than the first note.
- Mediant: This is the third note of the E minor scale. It’s a minor third higher than the first note.
- Dominant: This is the fifth note of the E minor scale. It’s a perfect fifth higher than the first note.
- Octave/Tonic: This is the eighth note of the E minor scale. It’s an octave higher than the first note.
Conclusion
In conclusion, E Minor is a great key to explore if you’re looking for something a bit different. It’s a unique and interesting sound that can really add something special to your music. So, don’t be afraid to give it a try! Just remember to brush up on your sushi etiquette before you go – and don’t forget to bring your A-GAME! After all, you don’t want to be the one who “E-MINOR-ed” the party!
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.
