Chords in the key of E minor on ukulele
The chords in the key of E minor are built from the notes of the scale: Em, F#dim, G, Am, Bm, C, D. Almost every song in this key uses only these, with the dominant B7 leading back to Em.
The chords of the key
- Emi
- F#dimii°
- GIII
- Amiv
- Bmv
- BV
- B7V7
- CVI
- DVII
| Degree | Chord | Function |
|---|---|---|
| i | Em | tonic (rest) |
| ii° | F#dim | subdominant (moves away) |
| III | G | tonic (rest) |
| iv | Am | subdominant (moves away) |
| v | Bm | dominant (tension) |
| V | B | dominant (tension) |
| V7 | B7 | dominant (tension) |
| VI | C | subdominant (moves away) |
| VII | D | dominant (tension) |
Common progressions
- Epic minor (i–VI–III–VII): Em – C – G – D
- Andalusian (i–VII–VI–V): Em – D – C – B
To improvise
The E minor scale works over all these chords. To start with less risk, use the minor pentatonic: five notes that almost never sound wrong in this key. E minor pentatonic · E minor scale
Relative key: G major, with the same notes and a different home chord.