Free lesson · Day 1
Your very first chord: E minor.
Two fingers, one shape, one small win. Take a breath — we'll do this together.
The shape
E minor (Em)
Second finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret. Third finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret. Every other string rings open. Strum all six strings.
Warm up · 60 seconds
Shake out your hands. Roll your shoulders. Tune your guitar with any free tuner app. Take one slow breath.
Place two fingers · 90 seconds
Second finger, 5th string, 2nd fret. Third finger, 4th string, 2nd fret. Press just hard enough that the notes ring. Fingertips, not pads.
Strum, listen, adjust · 90 seconds
Strum all six strings, slowly. If a string buzzes, move that finger closer to the fret wire and press a touch harder. Try again.
Play it four times · 60 seconds
Strum Em once every two seconds, four times in a row. Count out loud if it helps. Sit with the sound.
Well done · that's the lesson
That is enough for today. You picked up the guitar. You played a real chord. Come back tomorrow — we'll add one more.
"That is enough for today. You showed up — well done."
If you enjoyed that, tomorrow's lesson is Cadd9 — a shape that shares a finger with Em, so changing between them feels natural. Create a free account and we'll queue it up for you.
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- Cancel anytime — free plan always available