Chords in the Key of E minor
E minor has 1 sharp (F♯). Its seven chords are Em, F♯°, G, Am, Bm, C, D, and the major B (from the harmonic minor) is often used as the V chord. The relative major is G major.
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E minor scale
E – F♯ – G – A – B – C – D. Key signature: 1 sharp (F♯).
All chords in E minor
| Degree | Triad | Notes | 7th chord | Notes | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i | Em | E – G – B | Em7 | E – G – B – D | tonic (home) |
| ii° | F♯° | F♯ – A – C | F♯m7♭5 | F♯ – A – C – E | subdominant |
| III | G | G – B – D | Gmaj7 | G – B – D – F♯ | relative major |
| iv | Am | A – C – E | Am7 | A – C – E – G | subdominant |
| v | Bm | B – D – F♯ | Bm7 | B – D – F♯ – A | dominant (minor) |
| VI | C | C – E – G | Cmaj7 | C – E – G – B | submediant |
| VII | D | D – F♯ – A | D7 | D – F♯ – A – C | subtonic |
In minor keys the v chord (Bm) is often replaced by a major V (B: B – D♯ – F♯). It borrows the raised 7th (D♯) from the harmonic minor scale and pulls strongly back to Em.
Common chord progressions in E minor
| Numerals | Chords in E minor |
|---|---|
| i – VI – III – VII | Em – C – G – D |
| i – VII – VI – VII | Em – D – C – D |
| i – iv – VI – V | Em – Am – C – B |
| i – iv – v – i | Em – Am – Bm – Em |
Play them in the circle above, or get progressions from real songs in the chord progressions by genre tool.
Related keys
- Relative major: G major (same notes, different home chord).
- Parallel major: E major (same root; borrow chords from it for colour).
- Neighbouring keys on the circle of fifths: A minor and B minor, one accidental away, for smooth key changes.
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Quick answers
What chords are in the key of E minor?
The chords in E minor are Em, F♯°, G, Am, Bm, C, D, plus B as a major V chord. As 7th chords: Em7, F♯m7♭5, Gmaj7, Am7, Bm7, Cmaj7, D7.
How many sharps are in E minor?
E minor has 1 sharp (F♯).
What is the relative major of E minor?
G major. Both keys use the same notes and key signature (1 sharp (F♯)).
What is the v chord in E minor?
The natural v chord is Bm (B – D – F♯); most songs use the major V, B (B – D♯ – F♯).