E F♯ G A B C D — every note of the E minor scale, drawn on the tenor banjo (tuned G D A E, Irish tuning). Tap any note to hear it.
The E minor scale has 7 notes: E F♯ G A B C D, then E again an octave up. This is the natural minor, the same notes as its relative major. Its key signature has 1 sharp (F♯).
E minor — and its close cousin E dorian — is home to a great many jigs and reels, and it sits comfortably in open position.
The E minor scale in first position on the tenor banjo, highest string at the top. Fret numbers under each note; the root, E, in red.
| E string | EopenF♯2G3A5B7 |
|---|---|
| A string | AopenB2C3D5E7 |
| D string | DopenE2F♯4G5A7 |
| G string | GopenA2B4C5D7 |
New to the banjo? Start with Beginner Banjo →Open it in the full Scales page →Chords for tenor banjo →Learn the notes on the neck: What Note? (banjo) →Play session tunes in this key: Melody Trainer →