E major chord on guitar
4 ways to play E, with finger positions and sound. Tap a diagram to hear it.
E
Major · E G♯ B (1 3 5)
4 ways to play it
Brown dots are the root note. Tap a diagram to hear it.
How to play E
The most common shape, the first one in the chord finder above:
- Put your index finger on string 3 at fret 1.
- Put your middle finger on string 5 at fret 2.
- Put your ring finger on string 4 at fret 2.
- Let strings 6, 2, 1 ring open.
- Strum from string 6 down.
Notes in E
E is a major chord made of E, G♯, B. Its formula is 1 3 5: a root, a major third, and a perfect fifth.
- E1
- G♯3
- B5
E in a chord progression
In the key of E major, E is the I chord, home base. This progression, I–V–vi–IV, runs through countless pop songs:
Related chords
Learning a song with E?
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Turn a song into tabE chord FAQ
What notes are in the E chord?
E is made of E, G♯, B. As degrees of the scale: 1 3 5.
How many ways can you play E on guitar?
The chord finder above shows 4 shapes for E, from the open position up the neck. Pick the one closest to the chords before and after it.
What is the difference between E and Em?
E has a major third, G♯. Em lowers it a semitone to G, which gives the minor chord its darker sound. The other notes are the same.