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The Em chord (022000) is one of the first chord shapes guitarists learn.
It’s so easy to play, you can teach it to anyone. Even if they’ve never touched a guitar before.
Let’s take that very same shape and see what music we can come up with.
With a little bit of practice you can play this, too. Enjoy!
This beginner lesson features…
… The Em chord shifted along the fretboard.
… 1 easy-to-play application.
… Music theory.
… Percussive playing.
… Fingerpicking and strumming.
You can download the tabs by clicking here (search for HG10 – If you can play Em, you can handle this).
Download it. Print it. Use it.
And here is everything else you need to know. Enjoy!
💪 Action Steps
- Play the Em chord shape on all frets (011000, 022000, 033000, etc.).
- Memorize the positions you like the most.
- See what music you can come up with these chords. Be creative. You can do it!
- To play the application (called ‘Em-ergency’), warm up with the click sound. Therefore, hit the strings with your right hand. Keep it loose. Thumb and palm should hit the thickest string E.
- Practice bars 1-2. Mind the details in the tabs.
- Practice bars 3-5. Mind the details in the tabs.
- Practice bars 6-7. Mind the details in the tabs.
- Put everything together and play the entire piece.
📈 Difficulty
2/10 (This gives you a rough idea of how difficult it is. If you feel it’s actually easier, great. If not, don’t feel bad.)
⏰ Time Estimation
2 Days (This is a rough estimation that can vary widely. If you’re faster, great. If not, don’t feel bad.)
✏️ Extra Tips
- As always, put your fingertips close to the fretwires.
- Keep using the same fingers for all chords. I prefer middle finger on string A and ring finger on string D.
- Once you’re comfortable playing the application, make it yours. Experiment with dynamics (loud/soft) and techniques (guitar pick/fingers/palm muting/…).
- Can you come up with your own piece of music based around Em?
🎯 Encouragement
The Em chord (022000) is so easy that you could teach it to anyone. Even if they’ve never touched a guitar before. If you don’t ever play a familiar shape somewhere else on the fretboard, you leave a lot on the table. It’s worth checking out all the positions to find the ones you like the most so that you can use them. Enjoy experimenting!
Talk soon,
Florian from Hi Guitar
