E Minor
Em minor has 1 sharp. Its relative major is G and its parallel key is E. This page lists the signature, scale notes, diatonic chords, and go-to progressions, with tools that play the sound.
Key signature
Sharps: 1 (Notes: F#)
Scale notes
The notes that make up this scale, shown with their degrees.
| Degree | 1 | 2 | ♭3 | 4 | 5 | ♭6 | ♭7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | E | F# | G | A | B | C | D |
Diatonic chords
The chords that belong to this key, color-coded by role: T (tonic), SD (subdominant), D (dominant).
Triads
| Degree | Chord | Notes | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ⅰm | Em | E G B | T |
| Ⅱdim | F#dim | F# A C | SD |
| Ⅲ | G | G B D | T |
| Ⅳm | Am | A C E | SD |
| Ⅴm | Bm | B D F# | D |
| Ⅵ | C | C E G | T |
| Ⅶ | D | D F# A | D |
Seventh chords
| Degree | Chord | Notes | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ⅰm7 | Em7 | E G B D | T |
| Ⅱm7b5 | F#m7b5 | F# A C E | SD |
| Ⅲmaj7 | Gmaj7 | G B D F# | T |
| Ⅳm7 | Am7 | A C E G | SD |
| Ⅴm7 | Bm7 | B D F# A | D |
| Ⅵmaj7 | Cmaj7 | C E G B | T |
| Ⅶ7 | D7 | D F# A C | D |
This table uses the natural minor. Raising the 7th (harmonic minor) turns V into B (V7 = B7) for a stronger resolution.
Related keys
Go-to progressions in this key
Common progressions written out with the real chord names for this key. Play them in the progression player to hear them.
| Progression | Chords | |
|---|---|---|
| Andalusian Cadence | Em - D#dim - C - B | ▶ Play in player |
| Minor II-V-I | F#m7b5 - B7 - Em7 | ▶ Play in player |
| Rock Power Progression | Em - D - Am - Em | ▶ Play in player |
Hear it with the tools
Links that open each tool preset to this key.
Related articles
Articles for anyone who wants to understand keys and signatures more deeply.