Em(add9) Chord on Guitar
Em(add9) is the E minor add 9 chord — 4 notes (E, G, B, F♯) built from the formula 1 ♭3 5 9. Below are playable shapes across the fretboard, the keys it belongs to and the scales to use when soloing over it.
Em(add9): Chord shapes (open & barre)
- open position
- fret 4
- fret 9
- fret 12
Em(add9): Drop 2 voicings
- bass: 9
- bass: R
- bass: R
Keys that contain Em(add9)
Scales to play over Em(add9)
- E Minor Scale
- E Dorian Mode
- E Melodic Minor Scale
- E Major Blues Scale
- E Harmonic Minor Scale
- E Dorian ♯4 Scale
Ordered from the most common choice. All of them contain E, G, B, F♯.
Other E chords
Minor add 9 chords in other keys
FAQ
- What notes are in the Em(add9) chord?
- Em(add9) (E minor add 9) contains E, G, B, F♯ — formula 1 ♭3 5 9.
- How do you play Em(add9) on guitar?
- A common shape is 022002 (low E to high E, x = muted string, open position). This page shows more shapes, drop 2, drop 3 and shell voicings in the interactive library.
- What scale goes with Em(add9)?
- Good choices to solo over Em(add9): E Aeolian (Minor), E Dorian, E Melodic minor.
- What key is Em(add9) in?
- Em(add9) is diatonic in D major (iiadd9), G major (viadd9), E minor (iadd9), B minor (ivadd9).