E minor scale on guitar
The E minor scale has 7 notes: E, F♯, G, A, B, C and D. The natural minor scale (also called the Aeolian mode) lowers the 3rd, 6th and 7th of the major scale. It gives minor keys their darker, more serious colour.
Notes in E minor
- Formula
- 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7
- Step pattern
- W – H – W – W – H – W – W
- Notes
- 7
Tap a note to hear it.
E minor across the neck
Every E minor note on the first 12 frets in standard tuning. Filled dots are the root, E. A good place to start: E is the open low E string, so start in open position (frets 0 to 3), then move up the neck.
Intervals
| Degree | Note | Interval from E |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | E | Root |
| 2 | F♯ | Major 2nd |
| ♭3 | G | Minor 3rd |
| 4 | A | Perfect 4th |
| 5 | B | Perfect 5th |
| ♭6 | C | Minor 6th |
| ♭7 | D | Minor 7th |
Chords in E minor
Stack every other note of the scale and you get these triads. Any of them will sound “at home” with the E minor scale.
H = half step (1 fret), W = whole step (2 frets). Roman numerals: uppercase is major, lowercase is minor, ° is diminished, + is augmented.
Related scales
- Its relative major is G major: the same seven notes, starting from the ♭3rd.
- Drop the 2nd and ♭6th and you get E minor pentatonic. Raise the 7th for E harmonic minor, or the 6th for E Dorian.
Questions
What notes are in the E minor scale?
E, F♯, G, A, B, C, D. Its formula is 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7.
Where do I start the E minor scale on guitar?
E is the open low E string, so start in open position (frets 0 to 3). The fretboard map on this page shows every E minor note on the first 12 frets.
What scales are related to E minor?
Its relative major is G major: the same seven notes, starting from the ♭3rd.
More scales
Minor in every key
Other scales from E