Key of E - The E Minor Scale

Notes in the E Minor Scale:

EF#GABCD

The key of E contains 7 notes: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D.This minor key has a darker, more introspective quality perfect for emotional expression.

Chords in the Key of E

i
i
E minor
ii°
ii°
F# diminished

Chord details coming soon

III
III
G major
iv
iv
A minor
v
v
B minor
VI
VI
C major
VII
VII
D major

Common Chord Progressions

i - iv - v
Minor blues
i
E minor
→
iv
A minor
→
v
B minor
i - VII - VI - VII
Andalusian cadence
i
E minor
→
VII
D major
→
VI
C major
→
VII
D major
i - VI - III - VII
Natural minor
i
E minor
→
VI
C major
→
III
G major
→
VII
D major
i - iv - VII - III
Minor pop
i
E minor
→
iv
A minor
→
VII
D major
→
III
G major
E Minor Scale Pattern

The E Minor scale follows the pattern of W-H-W-W-H-W-W (natural minor scale).

Scale formula: E - F# - G - A - B - C - D

Key signature: Same as its relative major

Understanding the Key of E

Scale Degrees

Each chord in the key is built on a scale degree. Roman numerals show the chord's position in the scale. Uppercase = major chords, lowercase = minor chords.

Tonic Chord

The i chord (E minor) is the tonic - the "home" chord that provides resolution and stability.

Dominant Chord

The v chord (B minor) creates tension that naturally wants to resolve back to the tonic.