E minor pentatonic scale diatonic chords
scale
Fretboard diagram
E minor pentatonic scale — chords and intervals
Harmonizing the E minor pentatonic scale yields a minimal but powerful chord set that forms the harmonic skeleton of blues and rock. The absence of the second and sixth degrees removes the most tension-creating intervals, leaving only raw, direct harmony. The chords of E minor pentatonic are E sus4, G minor, A sus4, B sus4, D major. Power chord progressions built from these tones (i-bIII-bVII or i-iv-bVII) are the foundation of rock riffs. The simplicity of pentatonic harmony makes it ideal for groove-based music where the rhythm matters more than complex chord movement. Commonly used in Blues, Rock, Metal, R&B, Funk. Notable players include Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, B.B. King, Slash, Angus Young.
The E minor pentatonic scale has the following degrees: 1 ♭3 4 5 ♭7.
Intervals: 3H-W-W-3H-W.
Diatonic chords: E sus4, G minor, A sus4, B sus4, D major.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | E sus4 |
| ii | G minor |
| iii | A sus4 |
| IV | B sus4 |
| V | D major |
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the E minor pentatonic 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 pentatonic scale on guitar.
minor pentatonic is the Minor scale without 2nd and 6th degrees. View E Minor scale
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over minor chords, dominant 7th chords (in blues), and power chords. The backbone of rock and blues guitar for 70+ years.