About the Em7 chord
To play E minor 7th, use the first shape above. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the C string and your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string. Leave the G and E strings open. Strum all four strings and check that each one rings cleanly.
Root
E
Quality
Minor 7th
Notes
E · G · B · D
How the Em7 chord works
E
Root(1)
The home note. It gives the chord its name.
G
Minor third(♭3)
The defining minor interval above the root.
B
Perfect fifth(5)
Adds strength and stability.
D
Minor seventh(♭7)
Adds the defining minor-seventh color.