How to play the E minor over G# chord on guitar

The Em/G# chord, pronounced "E minor over G sharp," is a unique voicing that adds a haunting, tense quality to the standard E minor chord. By playing a G# note in the bass, this chord creates an unsettling dissonance that's particularly effective in genres like rock, metal, and blues. Notable examples include Radiohead's "Creep" and Metallica's "Fade to Black."

The most common way to play an E minor over G# chord on guitar is to use a barre chord on the 4th fret.

Follow these finger positions to play an E minor over G# chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 4th fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.

To strum this chord, use your pick or thumb to strum down across all six strings in one smooth motion.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the E minor over G# chord, try playing an E minor chord shape starting on the 4th fret. Place your index finger on the 4th fret of the 2nd (B) string, middle finger on the 5th fret of the 4th (D) string, and ring finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

Playing the E minor over G# as a barre chord can be a great way to add variety and richness to your guitar playing, especially when transitioning between other barre chords.

Here's how to play an E minor over G# barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 4th fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum from the 6th (low E) string down to the 1st (high E) string.

The E minor over G# chord progression creates a haunting and melancholic atmosphere, often used in songs to evoke feelings of sadness, longing, or introspection. Here are some common chord progressions featuring this chord:

• i - VII - i (Em - D - Em) - Used in "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin and "Dust in the Wind" by Kansas
• i - VII - VI - VII (Em - D - C - D)
• i - VII - iv - VII (Em - D - Am - D)
• i - VII - III - VII (Em - D - G - D)
• i - VII - iv - i (Em - D - Am - Em)

One effective drill for mastering the E minor over G# guitar chord is to practice strumming the chord while focusing on maintaining a steady rhythm. Start with a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable with the chord shape and transitions. This drill helps develop muscle memory and improves your timing.

Another valuable exercise is to practice transitioning smoothly between the E minor over G# chord and other commonly used chords in the key of E minor. Work on seamlessly switching between chords while maintaining a consistent strumming pattern, ensuring that each chord rings out clearly.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the E minor over G# chord:

1. Creep by Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm)
2. Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men (Em, C, G, D)
3. Royals by Lorde (D, C, G)
4. The A Team by Ed Sheeran (Em, G, D, C)
5. Skinny Love by Bon Iver (Em, C, G)
6. Wonderwall by Oasis (Em, G, D, A7sus4)
7. Hey There Delilah by Plain White T's (D, F#m, Bm, G, A)
8. Viva La Vida by Coldplay (C, D, G, Em)
9. Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple (Em, G, A, Bm)
10. Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes (Em, C, B, G)