Em9 Ukulele Chord
Em9 on ukulele is 0-6-0-5: put your index finger on the 5th fret of the A string, your middle finger on the 6th fret of the C string and leave the g and E strings open. It is a two-finger shape, not hard but new at first.
- 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 (major 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.
Is there an easier way to play Em9?
Not really. 0-6-0-5 is already the simplest playable shape for Em9 on a ukulele; every alternative either needs more fingers or sits higher up the neck. If it still feels awkward, the tips above are the fix.
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 major 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.