Learn › E Minor Chord Inversions (Em, Em/G, Em/B)
New Released in April 2026
E Minor Chord Inversions (Em, Em/G, Em/B)
E minor chord inversions: root position Em (E G B), 1st inversion Em/G (G B E) and 2nd inversion Em/B (B E G). Same three notes, a different note in the bass. Below: each position on the keyboard, how to tell them apart, the fingering for each one and a progression that uses them.
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E minor chord: root position, 1st and 2nd inversion
The lowest note names the inversion. The chord is still Em.
Root position: E G B
1st inversion: G B E
2nd inversion: B E G
- Root position: starts on E, a white key; all white keys
- 1st inversion: starts on G, a white key; all white keys
- 2nd inversion: starts on B, a white key; all white keys
Why Em inversions matter: Em → Am/E → B/D# → Em
Played in root position, Em, Am and B make the hand jump. With inversions every chord sits in the same place: Em → Am/E → B/D# → Em. Most notes stay, the others move a step.
- From Em to Am/E: E stays, G → A, B → C.
- From Am/E to B/D#: E → D#, A → F#, C → B.
- From B/D# to Em: D# → E, F# → G, B stays.
Root position or inversion? The quick check for Em
Look for the fourth: it sits on top in the 1st inversion and at the bottom in the 2nd.
| Position | Bass | Name | Figured bass | Shape (bottom to top) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root position | E | Em | 5/3 | minor 3rd + major 3rd |
| 1st inversion | G | Em/G | 6 (6/3) | major 3rd + perfect 4th |
| 2nd inversion | B | Em/B | 6/4 | perfect 4th + minor 3rd |
Fingering for each Em inversion
| Position | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|
| Root position (E G B) | 1-3-5 | 5-3-1 |
| 1st inversion (G B E) | 1-2-5 | 5-3-1 |
| 2nd inversion (B E G) | 1-3-5 | 5-2-1 |
The 1st inversion is the only one that changes the right hand: 1-2-5, because the fourth sits on top.
Train Em inversions in a game
In ChordRunner any inversion of Em counts: play root position, Em/G or Em/B and the runner jumps. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.
Play the demoThe Em chord · All piano chords · Chord inversions explained
Common questions
What is the first inversion of E minor?
The 1st inversion of Em is G B E, written Em/G: the third, G, is in the bass and E moves to the top. In figured bass it is a 6 chord.
What is the second inversion of E minor?
The 2nd inversion is B E G, written Em/B: the fifth, B, is in the bass. Figured bass calls it a 6/4 chord.
What fingering do I use for Em inversions?
Right hand: 1-3-5 for root position and 2nd inversion, 1-2-5 for the 1st inversion. Left hand: 5-3-1 for root position and 1st inversion, 5-2-1 for the 2nd inversion.
Why learn Em inversions?
They let you change chords without moving the hand. Em → Am/E → B/D# → Em uses inversions so most notes stay where they are and the others move by a step.
Does ChordRunner accept Em in any inversion?
Yes. Play Em/G, Em/B or root position on a USB MIDI keyboard, detected automatically, or on an acoustic piano through the microphone: if the notes are E, G and B, it counts.
Your instrument is the controller.
ChordRunner is a browser game that teaches piano and guitar chords: a chord appears on screen, you play it on a real instrument, and your runner jumps. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.
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