Let ’ s now move to an E minor add 9 . This is where we add the 9 th degree , the F #, to an E minor chord . I like to place it on the 4 th fret of the 4 th string . Why is it called an add 9 and not a 2 ? Because the minor 3 rd is still in the chord . If the 3 rd was gone , we would have a different formula .
Now let ’ s combine the elements of the last two chords into the E minor 9 . We ’ ll place the minor 7 back on the 3 rd fret of the 2 nd string with D again , AND we ’ ll add the 9 on the 4 th fret of the 4 th string with F #. This is one of my personal favorite variations on E minor . We don ’ t have to list the minor 7 because the 9 implies the presence of a minor 7 .
But can we take this a step further ? Sure . We can play an E minor 11 by including the A way up top on the 5 th fret of the 1 st string . So we still have the minor 7 , we still have the 9 , but now we have the 11 , which is like the 4 th , but above the octave . Why is this the 11 and not the 4 ? Because again , the 3 rd is still present .
I encourage you to go back to the E minor chord so you can hear how far you ’ ve come . Play the E minor chord , then play the E minor 11 chord , and observe the significant sonic difference between the two .
Pro tip – if you ’ re going to play some of these chords , they sound good when you strum them , but they sound great when you fingerpick them . The video provides an excellent demonstration of this .
So now you can enjoy some pretty sweet E minor chord variations that can enhance your chordal artistry as you play worship songs and more . Let me know which of these chords is your favorite .
© GuitarSuccess4U . All rights reserved .
David Harsh David Harsh is a nationally touring worship leader , songwriter and performing artist . He is passionate about equipping guitarists to discover their potential . Learn more and join now at www . GuitarSuccess4U . com
August 2024 Subscribe for Free ... 49