Em

General info

Full name

E Minor

Symbol

Em

Root

E

Quality

Minor

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

iiiMediant (iii)C major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as minor tonic

Most common resolutions

BB MajorAmA MinorDD Major

Main resolution

Emsource

BB Major

Minor chord Em is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).

Other resolutions

Emsource

Deceptive resolution

CC Major

A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.

Emsource

Modal resolution

DD Major

In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.

Emsource

Jazz reharmonization

A7A Dominant 7

In jazz, a minor chord often serves as ii in a ii-V-I progression. Its "resolution" is the dominant a 4th up.

Emsource

Functional resolution

AA Major

As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Substitutions

Parallel

EE Major

Relative

GG Major

Mediant

CC Major

Features

Character

Minor, stable

Characteristic interval

Minor third (m3)

Description

The minor 3rd defines the minor quality, while the perfect 5th preserves the triad’s stability.

Application

• ii, iii, vi in major
• Ballads, rock, jazz, blues
• Minor progressions

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Harmonic context

iiiC majorToniciiD majorPredominantviG majorToniciE minorTonic

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.