E Minor

E minor (Em, Mim) is a minor scale based on the note E. The E natural minor scale ( ♭ ♭♭) consists of the pitches E, F♯, G, A, B, C, and D. The E harmonic minor scale ( ♭ ♭ ) contains the natural 7, D♯, rather than the flatted 7, D – to align with the major dominant chord, B7 (B D♯ F♯ A).

Its key signature has one sharp, F (see below: Scales and keys).

Its relative major is G major, and its parallel major is E major.

Much of the classical guitar repertoire is in E minor, as this is a very natural key for the instrument. In standard tuning (E A D G B E), four of the instrument's six 'open' (unfretted) strings are part of the tonic chord. The key of E minor is also extremely popular in heavy metal music, as its tonic is the lowest note on a standard-tuned guitar.