Em7

Em7, short for E minor seventh, is a four-note chord built on the note E. Its notes are E, G, B, and D. This combines a minor triad (E–G–B) with a minor seventh above the root (D), giving an interval structure of 1, b3, 5, b7.

In tonal harmony, Em7 can function as the i7 chord in E natural minor or as the vi7 in G major (both share the same notes). It is diatonic to natural minor scales and appears in many progressions. A common use is in ii–V–I progressions, such as in the key of D major: Em7 to A7 to D major, where Em7 serves as the ii7.

Common voicings: on piano, a simple open position is E–G–B–D (played as E in the left hand, with G–B–D in the right). On guitar, a popular open Em7 shape is played as 0–2–0–0–3–0, producing the notes E–B–D–G–B–E. There are many inversions and barre-type voicings used in jazz and pop contexts.

Relation to other chords: Em7 is closely linked to Em (the triad) since it adds the seventh. It can lead smoothly to chords such as Am or D, depending on the key and harmonic direction. Em7 is also spelled Emin7 in many romanization styles.