E Minor Major 7th

Notes:E – G – B – D#
Formula:R-m3-P5-M7
Intervals:P1-m3-P5-M7
Scale Degrees:1-b3-5-7

Introduction

The E Minor Major 7th piano chord (EmMaj7) consists of the notes E, G, B, D#. It is a minor triad with an added major 7th, giving it a dark and complex character with strong tension, often used in jazz and minor key progressions. Formula: R-m3-P5-M7 | Scale degrees: 1-b3-5-7.

Notes

Notes:E – G – B – D#

E Minor Major 7th Inversions

PositionNotes
Root PositionE4 – G4 – B4 – D#5
1st InversionG4 – B4 – D#5 – E5
2nd InversionB4 – D#5 – E5 – G5
3rd InversionE4 – G4 – B4 – D#4

Key Signature

The key of E Minor Major 7th has 1 sharp: F♯.

F♯

Theory: Intervals

Formula: R-m3-P5-M7
Intervals: P1-m3-P5-M7

The E Minor Major 7th is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-m3-P5-M7 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-m3-P5-M7 show the distance between each note in the chord.

E Minor Major 7th — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the E Minor Major 7th chord?

EmMaj7 contains: E, G, B, D#. Minor triad with major seventh.

How does EmMaj7 differ from Em7?

EmMaj7 has D# (major seventh), Em7 has D (minor seventh).

How is EmMaj7 used in music?

Harmonic minor i chord. Jazz, film noir, rock.

What songs use Minor Major 7th?

James Bond, My Funny Valentine, Stairway to Heaven.

Why does it sound tense?

Minor third (G) and major seventh (D#) create dissonance.

How does EmMaj7 differ from Emaj7?

EmMaj7 has minor third (G). Emaj7 has major third (G#).

Practice Tips

  • Play Em then add D# — dramatic tension.
  • Descending line: Em → EmMaj7 → Em7 → Em6.
  • Compare with Em7.
  • Harmonic minor i chord.
  • The G–D# interval creates tension.
  • Common in rock ballads.