Ukulele Em chord diagram
Em is one of the essential Ukulele chords. On Ukulelearn, this chord appears in 1,867 different songs. On this page, you can find how to play Em, alternative positions, and core chord transitions.
To play Em, follow these steps: Place index finger on A string fret 2. Place middle finger on E string fret 3. Place ring finger on C string fret 4.
Tips
- Place A string with your index finger and E string with your middle finger with a vertical finger angle so nearby strings ring clearly without buzz.
- On A string, press fret 2 with your index finger close to the fret wire (not on top) for a cleaner tone.
- Finger choices on Em can be optimized for the next chord. For example, when moving from Em to B, using on the C string, use your pinky, on the E string, use your ring finger, and on the A string, use your middle finger helps preserve hand position with minimal movement.
- To play Em cleanly, every involved string should ring clearly. Make sure both fretted strings (C string, E string, and A string) and open strings sound clean. After shaping the chord, pluck each string one by one and confirm there is no muted or buzzing note.
Chord Theory
- Notes
- E - G - B
- Intervals
- 1 - b3 - 5
- Chord Type
- Minor — soft and melancholic character
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Voicings
- 7
Alternative Positions
Different ways to play Em on the fretboard, from beginner-friendly to advanced voicings.
Ukulele Em chord diagram4-4-3-2
Ukulele Em chord diagram4-7-7-7
Ukulele Em chord diagram4-4-3-7
Easy Transition Chords
These chords have similar finger positions to Em, making them ideal for practice transitions.
1. Em → D#aug | E♭aug chord transition
To move from Em to D#aug | E♭aug, follow these steps:
- Keep index finger on A string fret 2.
- Keep middle finger on E string fret 3.
- Slide your ring finger on C string from fret 4 to fret 3.
2. Em → B chord transition
To move from Em to B, follow these steps:
- Lift your index finger from A string fret 2 and place it on E string fret 2.
- Slide your middle finger from E string fret 3 to C string fret 3.
- Lift your ring finger from C string fret 4 and place it on G string fret 4.
3. Em → Baug chord transition
To move from Em to Baug, follow these steps:
- Keep index finger on A string fret 2.
- Lift your middle finger from E string fret 3 and place it on C string fret 3.
- Slide your ring finger from C string fret 4 to E string fret 3.
4. Em → Gaug chord transition
To move from Em to Gaug, follow these steps:
- Keep index finger on A string fret 2.
- Lift your middle finger from E string fret 3 and place it on C string fret 3.
- Slide your ring finger from C string fret 4 to E string fret 3.
5. Em → Csus2 chord transition
To move from Em to Csus2, follow these steps:
- While playing Em, lift your ring finger from C string fret 4.
- Lift your index finger from A string fret 2 and place it on C string fret 2.
- Keep middle finger on E string fret 3.
6. Em → G#m | A♭m chord transition
To move from Em to G#m | A♭m, follow these steps:
- Keep index finger on A string fret 2.
- Lift your middle finger from E string fret 3 and place it on C string fret 3.
- Slide your ring finger from C string fret 4 to G string fret 4.
- Place pinky on E string fret 4.
Most Common Transitions
The most frequent chord transitions from Em across songs on this site.
1. Em → C chord transition
To move from Em to C, follow these steps:
- While playing Em, first lift your index finger and middle finger.
- Lift your ring finger from C string fret 4 and place it on A string fret 3.
On Ukulelearn, songs containing Em use the transition to C at 26.5%. You can practice this transition in 730 different songs.
2. Em → G chord transition
To move from Em to G, follow these steps:
- Lift your index finger from A string fret 2 and place it on C string fret 2.
- Slide your middle finger from E string fret 3 to A string fret 2.
- Lift your ring finger from C string fret 4 and place it on E string fret 3.
On Ukulelearn, songs containing Em use the transition to G at 17.6%. You can practice this transition in 560 different songs.
3. Em → D chord transition
To move from Em to D, follow these steps:
- Lift your index finger from A string fret 2 and place it on G string fret 2.
- Slide your middle finger from E string fret 3 to C string fret 2.
- Lift your ring finger from C string fret 4 and place it on E string fret 2.
On Ukulelearn, songs containing Em use the transition to D at 17.3%. You can practice this transition in 591 different songs.
4. Em → Am chord transition
To move from Em to Am, follow these steps:
- While playing Em, first lift your index finger and ring finger.
- Lift your middle finger from E string fret 3 and place it on G string fret 2.
On Ukulelearn, songs containing Em use the transition to Am at 11.7%. You can practice this transition in 461 different songs.
5. Em → F chord transition
To move from Em to F, follow these steps:
- While playing Em, lift your ring finger from C string fret 4.
- Lift your index finger from A string fret 2 and place it on E string fret 1.
- Slide your middle finger from E string fret 3 to G string fret 2.
On Ukulelearn, songs containing Em use the transition to F at 7.8%. You can practice this transition in 285 different songs.
Compatible Scales
These scales include Em and highlight the companion chords that fit the same key.
Songs Using Em Chord
Popular songs that feature the Em chord, perfect for practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Em chord on Ukulele?
Em requires moderate control on Ukulele. The voicing covers 3 frets. Keep your wrist relaxed to improve accuracy.
Is there a simpler voicing for Em?
You can try an easier Ukulele voicing for Em. The alternative voicing uses fingering 4-4-3-7. Use this shape first, then return to the full form as control improves.
What are the most common chord changes from Em on Ukulele?
Ukulele progressions often pair Em with C and G. Based on our catalog data, Em -> C is tracked 7,276 times across 730 songs (26.5% share), while Em -> G appears 4,839 times across 560 songs (17.6% share).
Can you name songs that feature Em?
In our catalog, Ariana Grande - Santa Tell Me Ukulele Chords is one of 8 songs that include the Em chord.