The key of E minor has 1 sharp (F♯). The notes of the scale are E, F♯, G, A, B, C, D and its diatonic chords are Em, F#°, G, Am, Bm, C, D.
E minor scale
Natural minor scale: E · F♯ · G · A · B · C · D · E
Harmonic minor (7th degree raised a half step): E · F♯ · G · A · B · C · D♯ · E
Melodic minor (6th and 7th raised, going up): E · F♯ · G · A · B · C♯ · D♯ · E
The chords (triads)
| Degree | Symbol | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| i | Em | E G B | |
| ii° | F#° | F♯ A C | |
| III | G | G B D | |
| iv | Am | A C E | |
| v | Bm | B D F♯ | |
| VI | C | C E G | |
| VII | D | D F♯ A | |
| V | B | B D♯ F♯ |
In practice, minor keys almost always use B (a major chord, from the harmonic minor scale) as the dominant, because it pulls strongly to Em.
Seventh chords
| Degree | Symbol | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| i | Em7 | E G B D | |
| ii° | F#m7(b5) | F♯ A C E | |
| III | G7M | G B D F♯ | |
| iv | Am7 | A C E G | |
| v | Bm7 | B D F♯ A | |
| VI | C7M | C E G B | |
| VII | D7 | D F♯ A C | |
| V7 | B7 | B D♯ F♯ A |
Common progressions in E minor
- Em – Am – B – Em (i – iv – V – i)
- Em – C – G – D (i – VI – III – VII)
- F#° – B – Em (ii° – V – i)
- Em – D – C – B (i – VII – VI – V)
Relative key
The relative major of E minor is G major: same notes, starting from G.
Chords in other keys
Major keys: C major · G major · D major · A major · E major · B major · F♯ major · G♭ major · D♭ major · A♭ major · E♭ major · B♭ major · F major
Minor keys: A minor · E minor · B minor · F♯ minor · C♯ minor · G♯ minor · E♭ minor · B♭ minor · F minor · C minor · G minor · D minor
Learn how it works in diatonic chords: the complete guide and practice the scales in the app with your microphone.
Frequently asked questions
What chords are in the key of E minor?
In the natural minor: Em, F#°, G, Am, Bm, C, D. In practice the major B is also used as the dominant.
What is the difference between natural, harmonic and melodic minor?
Harmonic minor raises the 7th a half step (D♯); melodic minor raises the 6th and 7th (C♯ and D♯) going up.
What is the relative major of E minor?
G major, which uses the same notes.