E Minor Guitar Scale — Open G
Guitar scale in Open G tuning — fretboard diagram
E Minor in Open G — 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 G (D-G-D-G-B-D)
Also known as: aeolian
Diatonic Chords
Em7 — F♯m7♭5 — Gmaj7 — Am7 — Bm7 — Cmaj7 — D7
About Open G Tuning
Open G tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D) produces a G major chord when strummed open, making it the definitive tuning for slide guitar and delta blues. The tuning's natural consonance means that barring across any fret gives you a major chord, which is why it's been the backbone of blues and roots music for over a century.
From Robert Johnson to Keith Richards, Open G has shaped some of the most iconic music ever recorded. Keith Richards famously removes the low 6th string entirely in this tuning, creating his signature five-string sound on songs like 'Start Me Up' and 'Brown Sugar'. For slide players, Open G is essential — it allows clean, singing slide lines across all strings with minimal effort.
Notable artists: Keith Richards, Robert Johnson, Ry Cooder, Joni Mitchell, The Black Crowes
Best for: Slide guitar, delta blues, Keith Richards-style rock riffs, and open-string fingerpicking