E Minor Scale On Guitar
The E minor scale is a 7 note scale that consists of notes E - F# - G - A - B - C - D
Here you will find the E minor scale on with all position on guitar. You'll get correct fingerings, best picking for speed & accuracy and the notes of the scale so you will be able to easily play the scale and understand what's going on musically.
Click the tabs below to learn the various shapes and how they fit together across the fretboard.
E Minor Scale Guitar 1st Position
E minor scale guitar tab
To play the first pattern of the E minor scale place your first finger (index finger) on the sixth string 12th fret and pick down, the place your second finger (ring finger) on the sixth string 14th fret and pick up, then place your fourth finger (pinky finger) on the 6th string 15th fret and pick down the change strings. (follow the guitar tab above). This pattern can also be played in open position as indicated on the fretboard diagram.
The first pattern of the E minor scale is sometimes called the "aeolian pattern" or "aeolian mode" we will not discuss modes here but for a brief explanation on guitar modes click here.
One of the biggest problems aspiring lead guitarist run into with scales is they use the wrong fingers and/or the wrong pick directions which causes their playing to be slow and sloppy so I made sure to include this! 👊
What are the notes in the E minor scale?
There are 7 notes that make the E minor scale which are: E - F# - G - A - B - C - D - . Because there are 7 notes the major scale is sometimes referred to as a septatonic scale (septa meaning seven).
What is the formula for the E minor scale?
The minor uses the formula W - H - W - W - W - H - W
W= whole step (equal to 2 frets on your guitar) H = Half step (equal to 1 fret on your guitar)
Sometimes you may hear terms such as tone and semitone which can be used interchangeably with whole step and half step.
When we apply this formula to the chromatic scale we will extract out the natural minor scale and the notes we will end up with depend on which note we started on.
Another formula (and much more usable) is after we have extracted the natural minor scale out of the chromatic scale we number the notes. When we do this we call these numbers "scale degrees."
1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 - Scale degrees
E F# G A B C D - Notes of E minor scale
The E major scale has 4 sharps and due to the formula for minor scales the 3rd, 6th and 7th scale degrees have been lowered (flattened). Click here for more information on parallel major and minor scales.
Learning and mastering the scale degrees is very important for understanding the fretboard, how chords are created, and making music. Inside the Guitar GPS Method we have extensive training to help you master this concept.
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What is the easiest minor scale on a guitar?
The easiest scale to learn on guitar is the first pattern of the minor pentatonic scale. The pentatonic scale is a derivative of the minor scale as the pentatonic has only 5 notes where the minor scale has 7. This makes it both easier to play, remember, and make music with. Click here to learn the E minor pentatonic scale.
What is the relative major for the key of E minor?
The Relative Major for the E minor scale is the G major scale. Because of this both E minor and G major share the extract same notes and scale patterns! For more training on this concept check out the course Music Theory Training For Guitar inside the Guitar GPS Method membership.
E minor scale guitar chords
When we reference chords for a scale we call this a KEY. The basic chords for the key of E minor are Em - F#dim - G - Am - Bm - C - D. As you can see almost all of these chords can be played in open position making this an important scale and key to learn!
If you need help learning these chords or want to learn multiple ways to play them check out the Chord Library!