in G Maj, why does G with the bass in E substitute Em?

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: in G Maj, why does G with the bass in E substitute Em?

I still dont get it.

Either a) don't worry about it and just get on with your life or b) take some lessons to get some theory down (or online courses).

 

[Myaccount876]

Re: in G Maj, why does G with the bass in E substitute Em?

I still dont get it.

G Major Triad: G + D + B

E Minor Triad: E + B + G

Em7 = Em Triad + 7th note in key of Em (which is D): (E + B + G) + D = Em7

Em7 has the notes E, B, G, and D.

When you fret an open G chord with the low E string open, you are adding the E note to the G triad (which has B + G + D).

So G Major + Open E = (B + G + D) + E = Em7

E Minor is not G Major with an open E string, because E Minor does not include the note "D".

G Major:

E|--3--(G)
B|--0--(B)
G|--0--(G)
D|--0--(D)
A|--2--(B)
E|--3--(G)

E Minor:

E|--0--(E)
B|--0--(B)
G|--0--(G)
D|--2--(E)
A|--2--(B)
E|--0--(E)

Em7:

E|--3--(G)
B|--0--(B)
G|--0--(G)
D|--0--(D)
A|--2--(B)
E|--0--(E)

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: in G Maj, why does G with the bass in E substitute Em?

its actually Em7 seeing your chord has a D in there.
Em7=E,G,B,D regardless of where you play it on the fingerboard or even if you play it on a different instrument entirely.

this stuff is actually really simple and logical. The perceived difficulty comes from the fact that many guitarists refuse to learn how to read music, to learn where the notes on their guitar are, and learn some music theory. They put it all in the "too hard basket" or use the line "i just play what i feel, man". There is often an unspoken inference by these types of guitarists that learning about music will somehow get in the way of your creativity. The thing is, that inference is based on nothing but their own experience, which you have to admit is fairly limited given that they have not learned music reading or theory. How would they know if learning inhibits their creativity if they have never actually done it? Knowledge is power. Seek knowledge and you continue to develop as a musician.

Astro, with the greatest respect if i may offer you some advice: study music rather than just "playing guitar" alone and this kind of stuff will no longer be confusing any more. It might even open up some creative avenues you have not yet explored.

 

[guitar74]

Re: in G Maj, why does G with the bass in E substitute Em?

The easy way to think of relative major/minor is if it's a major, go down a step and a half, there's your relative minor, and vice versa. That's why C major and A minor have the EXACT same notes and can be employed either or. having played with a bunch of country guys, they tend to play more out of the C position over A minor, where us rock guys tend to play out of A.

that's the oversimplified version, but it's also what my theory teacher in college taught me, and he was a PHENOMENAL jazz pianist, so I trusted his opinion. The other thing he taught me: Rules are meant to be broken, so don't put too much thought into it. If you like the way it sounds, then do it without regard to the so called rules.