E Minor Scale
E – F# – G – A – B – C – D – E
Fingerings1 – 2 – 3 – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5
Formula:W-H-W-W-H-W-W
Intervals:P1-M2-m3-P4-P5-m6-m7-P8
Scale Degrees:1-2-b3-4-5-b6-b7-8
Introduction
The E Minor scale is a diatonic minor scale that consists of eight notes: E, F#, G, A, B, C, and D (returning to E). It follows the minor scale step pattern of W-H-W-W-H-W-W and contains one sharp. It is closely related to the E Minor chord. Like all minor scales, it has a darker, more emotional character widely used across classical, pop, and jazz music.
E Minor Scale Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | A4 | P1 |
| 2 | Supertonic | E4 | M2 |
| b3 | Mediant | B4 | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | F#4 | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | C5 | P5 |
| b6 | Submediant | G4 | m6 |
| b7 | Leading Tone | D5 | m7 |
| 8 | Octave | E5 | P8 |
How to Play the E Minor Scale
Right Hand (RH)
Place your right hand over the keys and use the fingering: 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5
(1 = thumb, 2 = index, 3 = middle, 4 = ring, 5 = pinky)
Left Hand (LH)
For the left hand, use the fingering: 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1
Key Signature
The key of E Minor Scale has 1 sharp: F♯.
F♯
Chords in the Key of E Minor Scale
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the E Minor Scale:
E Minor Scale — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the E Minor Scale?
The E Minor Scale (natural minor) contains seven notes: E F# G A B C D — plus the octave. It has one sharp (F#). The natural minor scale follows the pattern W–H–W–W–H–W–W, giving it a darker, more melancholic character than the major scale.
What is the fingering for the E Minor Scale?
Right hand: 12312345 (1=thumb, 2=index, 3=middle, 4=ring, 5=pinky). Left hand: 54321321. Practice each hand separately first, paying close attention to thumb crossings, before combining both hands in parallel motion.
What is the relative major of E Minor?
The relative major of E Minor is G Major. They share the same key signature and the same seven notes — the tonal centre shifts up a minor third (or down a major sixth) to reach the relative major. G Major Major begins on the 3rd degree of the E Natural Minor scale.
What is the difference between natural, harmonic, and melodic minor?
Natural minor uses the basic scale pattern (W–H–W–W–H–W–W). Harmonic minor raises the 7th degree by one semitone to create a stronger leading tone to the tonic. Melodic minor (ascending) raises both the 6th and 7th degrees for smoother upward movement, then reverts to natural minor when descending. The E Minor Scale page covers natural minor.
What chords come from the E Minor Scale?
The seven diatonic chords built from the E Minor Scale are: i minor (tonic), ii diminished, III Major, iv minor, v minor (or V Major from harmonic minor), VI Major, and VII Major. These chords form the harmonic foundation of all music in E Minor.
How does the E Minor Scale differ from the E Major Scale?
E Minor has a flattened 3rd, 6th, and 7th compared to E Major. These three lowered notes (the minor 3rd in particular) are what give the minor scale its characteristic dark, emotional quality. The root, 2nd, 4th, and 5th are the same in both scales.
Practice Tips
- Play E with the right hand alone, one octave slowly — listen for equal tone on every note including the half steps.
- Mark the half steps in the scale (between degrees 2–3 and 5–6): play these pairs separately to feel the minor scale's characteristic intervals.
- Use a metronome at 60 BPM. Increase only when you can play cleanly without rushing the thumb crossings.
- Learn the E Minor chord (E–G–B) after the scale — connecting scale to chord solidifies muscle memory.
- Practise the E Minor Scale in contrary motion (both hands from the middle outward) to develop evenness across both hands.
- Compare E Minor with G Major Major: they share all the same notes. Play G Major Major then shift to E Minor to hear how the same notes create a completely different mood.