E Major Chord on Guitar
E (E major) is made of the notes E – G# – B. The easiest guitar fingering is 022100 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play E
- Play the 6th string (low E) open (E).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2 (B).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2 (E).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1 (G#).
- Play the 2nd string (B) open (B).
- Play the 1st string (high e) open (E).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | 0 (open) | E | R |
| 5th string (A) | 2 | B | 5 |
| 4th string (D) | 2 | E | R |
| 3rd string (G) | 1 | G# | 3 |
| 2nd string (B) | 0 (open) | B | 5 |
| 1st string (high e) | 0 (open) | E | R |
What is a E major chord?
A major chord is a triad built from the root, a major third and a perfect fifth. It is the basic "happy" chord and the first shape most guitarists learn.
Notes and formula. E contains E, G#, B. Counted from the root E, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th).
Sound. Bright, stable and resolved. Major chords feel like home base in a major key.
Where it is used. Major chords carry the verse and chorus of most pop, rock, folk and country songs. In any major key the I, IV and V chords are major.
Tips for playing E
Strum the chord slowly and listen to every string. A single muted or buzzing string is the most common reason a chord sounds "off", so press close to the fret wire, not in the middle of the fret.
Common mistake: Letting a fretting finger lean on the neighbouring string and silence it. Arch your fingers so only the tips touch the strings.
Keys that contain E
E is a diatonic chord, meaning it occurs naturally without accidentals, in these keys:
- E major – I chord
- A major – V chord
- B major – IV chord
- C# minor – III chord
- F# minor – VII chord
- Ab minor – VI chord
Try it in a progression: browse chord progressions for every key.
Scales to play over E
Related chords
E chord FAQ
What notes are in a E chord?
E (E major) contains the notes E, G#, B. The formula is R–3–5 relative to the root E.
How do you play E on guitar?
The most common shape for E is 022100, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is E an easy guitar chord?
It is rated beginner. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Which keys contain E?
E is a diatonic chord in E major (I), A major (V), B major (IV), C# minor (III), F# minor (VII), Ab minor (VI).
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