How to Play Em7 on Ukulele

There are many songs and chords that can be played on the ukulele. Songs from all music genres such as Hawaiian, country, contemporary and classical can be played on this instrument. A beautiful chord that can be heard in various songs is the Em7 or E minor seventh chord. It is most often played in the key of C or E. Seventh chords are used to brighten the sound of the chord that it follows. The Em7 is used to enhance or brighten the Em chord an therefore normally follows Em. Learn how to play the Em7 chord in just a few steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Ukulele

1. Hold the center of the ukulele body with the right arm. Face the strings on the ukulele body away from the musician's. Let the back of the ukulele body rest against the musician's abdomen. With the left hand, hold the neck of the ukulele near the strings spacer and keep it between the left index finger and left thumb.
2. Place the left index finger on the second bar between the first and second frets. With the tip of the left index finger, hold down the "C" string or string that is second from the top on the second bar without touching the frets. Firmly press the left thumb against the back of the ukulele neck directly behind the tip of the left index finger.
3. Use the left middle finger to hold down the "A" or bottom string on the second bar between the first and second frets. Keep the middle finger between the frets without touching any unassigned strings.
4. Press the left index finger and left middle finger firmly on the assigned strings on the second bar. Make sure both of the fingers are between the first and second frets without touching any unassigned strings. With the right hand, gently strum all of the strings near the center of the ukulele body to hear the Em7 chord.

Tips & Warnings

• Standard tuning for the ukulele strings from top to bottom are G, C, E and A.
• The "frets" are metal strips located on the neck of the ukulele.
• A "bar" is the area located between the frets.
• Keeping the fingers between the frets will help to produce a clear uninterrupted sound of the chord.