Em7 chord with E Aeolian scale

Pairing the Em7 chord (Minor 7) with the E Aeolian scale: formulas, fretboard voicings and the practical context for soloing, improvisation and songwriting.

Em7 chord formula

Interval formula: 1 b3 5 b7. A minor triad with a minor 7th. A soft, calm minor — the workhorse of jazz, soul and funk.

E Aeolian scale formula

Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7. Classification: functional-tonal.

Fretboard voicings for Em7

Curated Em7 shapes that sit naturally inside the E Aeolian scale.

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Em7 — Drop 2, root on 6th string, frets 1–3
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Em7 — Drop 2, root on 5th string, frets 6–10
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Em7 — Drop 2, root on 4th string, frets 1–5

Other scales for Em7

Compare how the same chord behaves over other compatible modes.

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