E Minor Triad

Chord Tones: E Minor Triad

Symbol: m, min, - — Formula: 1-♭3-5

Chord Notation

Roman numeral (e.g. I, IV, V) and Nashville Number notation are key-dependent. See Keys pages for chord function within specific keys.

Inversions

Harmonic Function

The E minor chord commonly functions as the mediant (iii) in C major or dominant (V) in A major. Its harmonic role varies by key — in major keys it provides subdominant or supertonic color.

The minor triad has a dark, introspective sound created by the flat third degree. It is the foundation of minor key harmony and widely used across all genres of music. The E Minor Triad specifically contains 3 notes: E, G, B (formula: 1-♭3-5). On guitar, E-rooted chords use both the low and high open E strings, creating a powerful full-register voicing that spans all six strings. Hard rock, metal, and punk lean heavily on E-rooted chords and power chords because the low E string provides maximum sonic impact for distorted tones.

Common Progressions

The E Minor Triad frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):

• i-iv-v-i
• ii-V-I

Songs Featuring the Minor Triad

Well-known songs where the E Minor Triad — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:

• Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin
• Nothing Else Matters – Metallica
• Losing My Religion – R.E.M.

Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments

Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.

Scales Containing the E Minor Triad

These scales include the E Minor Triad as a diatonic or characteristic chord: