E minor hexatonic scale diatonic chords
scale
Fretboard diagram
E minor hexatonic scale — chords and intervals
Harmonizing the E minor hexatonic scale produces a soulful minor chord family with one extra tone compared to the pentatonic, adding harmonic flexibility while maintaining a blues-rock feel. The chords of E minor hexatonic are E minor, D# diminished, E minor, D# diminished, E minor, D# diminished. The additional chord option enriches simple minor progressions with more voice-leading possibilities. Use these chords for blues-rock and jazz-rock writing that needs slightly more color than pentatonic harmony provides. Commonly used in Blues, Jazz-Rock, R&B, Soul. Notable players include B.B. King, Albert King, John Mayer.
The E minor hexatonic scale has the following degrees: 1 2 ♭3 4 5 7.
Intervals: W-H-W-W-2W-H.
Diatonic chords: E minor, D# diminished, E minor, D# diminished, E minor, D# diminished.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | E minor |
| ii | D# diminished |
| iii | E minor |
| IV | D# diminished |
| V | E minor |
| vi | D# diminished |
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the E minor hexatonic scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the E minor hexatonic scale on guitar.
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over m7 chords and blues changes. More flexible than minor pentatonic but less complex than full Dorian.