How to Play an E Minor 7/11 Chord on Guitar

The E minor 7/11 is beautiful chord that is common in jazz. Many guitarists are intimidated by "extended" chords such as this; however, you can learn to master it with the right approach and effort. In this article, you will learn to construct and play an E minor 7/11 chord on the guitar.

Things You'll Need

• Guitar

Instructions

1. Play the sixth string (low E string) open. "Open" means that you do not hold down any of the frets along the string. You just play the string alone, without any interference from your fretting hand. This is the note E, which is the root of the chord used in this example.

2. Barre the tenth fret. A barre is created by laying your forefinger over more than one string of the guitar. In this case, you will be doing a 5/6 barre, which means that you will barre the top five strings. Basically, you will barre every string except the low E. The barre will create the third degree (G) and eleventh degree (A) of the E minor scale.

3. Place your middle finger on the twelfth fret of the fourth string (D string). This is the note D, the seventh degree of the E minor scale.

4. Using your ring finger, hold down the twelfth fret of the third string (G string). This is the third degree of the E minor scale, played one octave higher than the G from Step 2.

5. Place your pinky on the twelfth fret of the first string (high E string). This is the eleventh degree of the E minor scale. It is the note that gives this chord its unique character and sound.

6. Strum the chord: Play all of the notes of the chord in one sweeping motion. That's it!You now know how to play an E minor 7/11 chord on the guitar.

Tips & Warnings

• This is a very difficult chord to play. At first, you may find it hard to hold down the barre while fretting the remaining notes. Do not be discouraged. Practice the chord every day. and it will gradually become easier to manage. The great thing is that, by practicing this chord, you should find most other chords extremely easy to play!