How to Play the Em Chord on Ukulele

Of all the minor chords in your ukulele journey, Em (E minor) is one of the most powerful—and thankfully, one of the easiest to play.

If you're diving into emotional or moody songs, you'll find Em popping up in pop, folk, indie, and even Hawaiian-style arrangements.

Whether you're brand new to playing or simply brushing up on your chord shapes, this post will walk you through how to finger the Em chord correctly, cleanly, and confidently—plus when to use it, how to practice it, and how to make the most of your Island Bazaar ukulele.

Em Chord Shape Breakdown

Here’s how you play an Em chord on a standard GCEA-tuned ukulele:

E Minor (Em) Chord Fingering:

And here’s a fretboard diagram to visualize it:

You’ll notice this shape uses a three-finger diagonal layout that descends across the fretboard. It’s one of the more ergonomic chords once you get the finger spacing right.

Step-by-Step: How to Finger Em

1. Index Finger → 2nd fret of the A string (1st string)

2. Middle Finger → 3rd fret of the E string (2nd string)

3. Ring Finger → 4th fret of the C string (3rd string)

4. Leave the G string open (no fingers)

Start slowly by placing your fingers one by one, then strum each string individually to check clarity. Don’t worry if it buzzes at first—focus on adjusting your pressure and arching your fingers to avoid muting adjacent strings.

✅ Pro Tip: Use the pads of your fingers and keep your wrist slightly forward to let your fingers fall naturally into place.

Why the Em Chord Matters

The Em chord opens up a huge variety of popular ukulele songs. It’s expressive and mysterious—and once you master the shape, you’ll notice it flowing naturally into other chords like G, C, and D.

You’ll find Em in songs like:

• “Let It Be” – The Beatles

• “House of Gold” – Twenty One Pilots

• “I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz

• “Hallelujah” – Leonard Cohen (Uke version)

It’s also frequently used in fingerstyle arrangements and even classical-style ukulele pieces due to its haunting, open tone.

Practicing Em Chord Transitions

The best way to get comfortable with Em is to practice it in context—especially with chords that commonly pair with it.

Try These Progressions:

• Em – G – C – D (Classic pop progression)

• C – G – Am – Em (Great for fingerpicking)

• Em – A – D – B7 (Slightly more advanced, jazzy feel)

Use a metronome to practice slowly at first. The Em chord sits right in the sweet spot of accessible but expressive chords that bring a song to life.

Troubleshooting Em Chord Issues

🎯 Buzzing strings? Press closer to the fret and arch your fingers higher.
🎯 Muted strings? Make sure you're not letting your fingers flatten out and touch neighboring strings.
🎯 Cramped hand? If your fingers feel overly bunched up, check your wrist angle. Loosen your grip on the neck and let your fingers fall naturally.

If you still find Em uncomfortable, it may be time to check the setup on your ukulele—string height, nut spacing, and fret access all affect playability. A ukulele from our Mid-Priced Ukulele Collection might make a noticeable difference.

Variations & Alternatives

There’s only one standard Em chord shape—but advanced players sometimes play an Em7 for a slightly jazzier tone.

Em7 Chord (Optional Bonus):

This version works well when you want a lighter or more playful sound while still maintaining the Em vibe.

Best Ukuleles for Chord Practice

A well-set-up ukulele makes all the difference when learning new chords. Whether you're just starting out or upgrading your instrument, we recommend trying these for better finger comfort:

• Kala Concert or Tenor Ukuleles – reliable and affordable

• Flight Elise Ecklund Signature Ukulele – great for kids and beginners

• Kanileʻa or KoAloha models – handcrafted Hawaiian ukuleles with top-tier playability

• Romero Creations – especially the XS Soprano and Tiny Tenor for ergonomic shapes

Explore them all in our Island Bazaar Ukulele Collection.

Final Thoughts

If you’re building your chord knowledge, E minor is a must-know shape. It’s versatile, easy to play, and fits beautifully into most ukulele arrangements. Once it’s in your muscle memory, you’ll find yourself using it constantly—whether you’re playing solo, in a group jam, or singing along with a favorite tune.

Looking for the perfect uke to help your chords sound better? Visit our Huntington Beach ukulele store or browse online for our top picks.