Guitar arpeggio
E Minor-Major 7 Guitar Arpeggio
E Minor-Major 7 is a four-note seventh-chord arpeggio built from E, G, B, and D#. It is also commonly called E Minor Major 7 and EmMaj7. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- E, G, B, D#
- Formula
- 1 b3 5 7
- Semitones
- 0 3 7 11
- Chord symbols
- EmMaj7, EmM7
- Also called
- E Minor Major 7EmMaj7
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent E root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the E root notes and connect the remaining minor-major 7 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called E Minor Major 7 or EmMaj7.
Chord construction and defining tones
E minor-major 7 is defined by b3 (G) and 7 (D#). The minor third and major seventh combine minor quality with a strong leading-tone pull.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over EmMaj7, minor chords with a natural seventh, and tonic-minor sounds drawn from harmonic or melodic minor.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the E Minor-Major 7 arpeggio from one E root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Alternate b3 (G) and 7 (D#) against the root and hear the contrast between the minor third and major seventh.
- Improvise over EmMaj7 and resolve the major seventh upward while keeping the minor third prominent.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with E Minor-Major 7 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard