E Minor Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
E Minor in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The E Minor scale, also known as the Aeolian mode or natural minor, is the standard for expressing melancholy, introspection, and drama. On Guitar, its notes are E, F#, G, A, B, C, D. Its sound is darker and more somber than the major scale, widely used in songwriting to evoke deep emotional narratives and serving as the foundation of traditional minor-key compositions. The diatonic chords of E Minor are Em7, F#m7b5, Gmaj7, Am7, Bm7, Cmaj7, D7. Commonly used in Rock, Pop, Metal, Classical, R&B. Notable players include Metallica, Adele, Beethoven. Use over minor triads, m7, m9 chords. Works across the entire minor key. Avoid over dominant chords that want a leading tone.
Notes: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: W-H-W-W-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
Also known as: aeolian
Diatonic Chords
Em7 — F♯m7♭5 — Gmaj7 — Am7 — Bm7 — Cmaj7 — D7