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Chord chart for Em9 Guitar Chord (E minor 9): Notes, Shapes & How to Play | Guitar Wiz

E minor 9 guitar shapes

Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions

Showing 8 of 340 playable shapes

E minor 9 guitar chord diagram showing fretboard positions
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About the chord

E minor 9 guitar chord

Em9 is the E minor 9 guitar chord. It uses the notes E, G, B, D, and F♯ and the interval formula 1-♭3-5-♭7-9.

The E minor 9 minor 9 chord combines the minor 7th with a major ninth F♯, producing a lush, moody atmosphere. The added ninth F♯ softens the minor tonality with a dreamy, jazzy color, perfect for soulful ballads and expressive emotional landscapes.

Also written as Emin9.

Root note: E
Quality: minor 9
Chord tones: 5
Playable shapes: 340

Chord tones

EGBDF♯

Common guitar voicings

These are quick-start shapes for players who want the answer first and the deeper theory second.

Shape 1

020002

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  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string.
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st string.
  3. 3 Strum from the 6th string down.

Shape 2

020032

View shape
  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string.
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st string.
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string.
  4. 4 Strum from the 6th string down.

Notes & Intervals

Each note below shows how the chord is built from its root. This is the theory layer underneath the fretboard shapes.

E Unison (Root) 1

The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.

G Minor Third ♭3

This note supplies the minor color and gives the chord its darker emotional pull.

B Perfect Fifth 5

The fifth reinforces stability and gives the chord its strong harmonic frame.

D Minor Seventh ♭7

The minor seventh adds bluesy or jazzy tension that wants to move onward.

F♯ Major Ninth 9

The ninth opens the chord up and adds a modern, spacious color.

Quick answers

What notes are in Em9?

Em9 uses the notes E, G, B, D, and F♯. Its interval formula is 1-♭3-5-♭7-9.

What is another name for Em9?

Em9 is also written as Emin9.

How do you play Em9 on guitar?

Place the 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string. Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st string. Strum from the 6th string down.

Related Articles

Articles that reference this chord and explain how to use it in your playing.