The E minor scale is known for its melancholic character. It consists of the notes E, F♯, G, A, B, C, D, and then returns to E, completing the octave. This scale is the relative minor of the G major scale, meaning they share the same key signature with one sharp (F♯). The relationship between E minor and G major is fundamental in understanding the interplay between major and minor tonalities in music composition and theory.

From the E minor scale, we can derive several triads or chords, each based on one of the scale’s seven notes, completed by adding the third and fifth notes above each root. The interval between the root and the third defines whether the chord is minor or major: a minor third interval (3 semitones) produces a minor chord, conveying a more somber tone, while a major third interval (4 semitones) creates a major chord, introducing a sense of brightness or resolve within the context of a minor scale.

The chords derived from the E minor scale are: