Diatonic chords
The chords of E minor
Built by stacking thirds on each note of the E minor scale: lower-case Roman numerals are minor (or diminished, with °), upper-case are major.
Triads
Seventh chords
From the harmonic minor
Progressions
Common progressions in E minor
Chord numbers travel between keys: the same pattern in another key keeps its sound, only the names change.
- i – iv – v – i Em – Am – Bm – Em
- i – VI – III – VII Em – C – G – D
- i – iv – V – i (harmonic) Em – Am – B – Em
- i – VII – VI – VII Em – D – C – D
Questions
Frequently asked
What chords are in the key of E minor?
The seven triads are Em (i), F♯dim (ii°), G (III), Am (iv), Bm (v), C (VI), D (VII). Most music in minor also borrows B (V) from the harmonic minor.
How many sharps or flats are in E minor?
E minor has 1 sharp: E F♯ G A B C D.
What is the relative major of E minor?
G major. It uses the same notes and the same key signature, starting from another note.
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