Em9 Ukulele Chord
Need the Em9 chord for a song? It is a barre shape, which feels awkward at first but is well worth learning. Your fingers go on the C and A strings. The steps below show exactly where each one sits.
A two-finger shape. Here is how to play Em9, step by step.
- Notes: E, G, B, D and Gb
- Frets: 0 6 0 5
- Tuning: g C E A
Em9 ukulele chord details
- Type
- Minor 9th
- Also known as
- E minor ninth
- Formula
- 1 b3 5 b7 9
- Intervals
- E (root), G (minor 3rd), B (perfect 5th), D (minor 7th), Gb (9th)
- Notes
- E, G, B, D and Gb
- Frets
- 0 6 0 5
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Tuning
- Standard (g C E A)
How to play the Em9 chord
Here is the Em9 chord step by step:
- Put your middle finger on the 6th fret of the C string.
- Put your index finger on the 5th fret of the A string.
- Leave the g and E strings open.
- Strum all four strings.
It is a bit of a stretch, so go slow and let your hand learn the shape. These quick tips for tricky chords help. New to these grids? Have a look at how to read a ukulele chord diagram.
What notes are in the Em9 chord?
The Em9 chord is built from five notes: E, G, B, D and Gb (the root, minor 3rd, perfect 5th, minor 7th and 9th). Minor sevenths are the smooth, mellow ones. They feel relaxed and a little jazzy, softer than a plain minor. New to these? Have a read about seventh chords.
Ukulele songs that use the Em9 chord
Want to go further?
Once Em9 feels comfortable, its close relatives are worth exploring: try E7, Emaj7, Em and E. It works as a richer color alongside the basic chords you already know. Then put it into a strumming pattern. When you are ready, try some easy ukulele songs.