Minor Chords
Let’s look at how to play an Em (E minor) chord on the piano. We’ll also learn the pattern for building any other minor chord.
What Are Minor Chords?
Minor chords are built using the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale, but the middle note is lowered 1/2 step (learn how to build a major scale here).
Since we can build major chords with the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale, we can think of minor chords as major chords, but with the middle note lowered 1/2 step.
Another way to build a minor chord is to use the first, third and fifth notes of the matching minor scale. And while there are three types of minor scales (natural, harmonic and melodic), it doesn’t matter which scale we use. The first, third and fifth notes of each will be the same.
Chord Types Printable
Learn to play 17 types of piano chords using 12 different root notes with this 34-page PDF! Chords are sorted both by their root note (C, D, E, etc.) and type (major, minor, augmented, diminished, etc.).
How to Play an Em Chord
To play an Em chord, we can find the first, third and fifth notes of the E major scale, E – G♯ – B (an E major chord), and lower the middle note 1/2 step: E – G – B
Or we could use the first, third and fifth notes of the E natural minor scale.
We can use this pattern to build any other minor chord. We can find the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale, and lower the middle note 1/2 step. Or we can use the first, third and fifth notes of the matching minor scale.
Other Chord Types
Some other chord types you can learn are:
Major
Augmented
Diminished
Second
Minor Second
Suspended
Fifth
Sixth
Minor Sixth
Seventh
Minor Seventh
Major Seventh
Ninth
Minor Ninth
Major Ninth
Conclusion
Now you know how to build an Em chord on the piano, and you can use this pattern to build any other minor chord!
Minor chords are lots of fun to use, and lend themselves really well to a more somber and introspective mood.
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Yes, a good place to start would be to read through the numbered posts in order here: https://www.julieswihart.com/learn-piano/ These posts will walk you through the basics for learning the piano with chords, and lay a great foundation. It will take some time, but as you get more comfortable playing different chords and their inversions, you can use them to play chord progressions.
hi julie am livingstone i have always followed you and i noticed you are a good tuitor i would really want to learn more from you,kindly share with me your link
I’m glad it’s helpful! You can opt-in for free charts and piano training emails by using one of the opt-in forms on my blog, under the “freebies” tab in the menu. You can also read through the posts in order under the “Start/Learn Piano” tab to lay a great foundation for learning the piano with chords.