E major · 7 chords · 4♯

Chords in the Key of E major

The key of E major contains the notes E – F# – G# – A – B – C# – D#. Its seven chords are E, F#m, G#m, A, B, C#m, D#dim.

The seven chords of E major

These are the triads built on each note of the E major scale. The numerals show where each chord sits in the key: capital letters are major chords, lowercase letters are minor.

Numeral	Chord	Notes	Function
I	E	E – G# – B	Tonic
ii	F#m	F# – A – C#	Supertonic
iii	G#m	G# – B – D#	Mediant
IV	A	A – C# – E	Subdominant
V	B	B – D# – F#	Dominant
vi	C#m	C# – E – G#	Submediant
vii°	D#dim	D# – F# – A	Leading tone

Seventh chords in E major

Adding the seventh gives a richer, more open sound. These are the seventh chords that fit E major.

Emaj7 F#m7 G#m7 Amaj7 B7 C#m7 D#m7b5

Key signature of E major

E major has 4 sharps: F#, C#, G#, D#.

The relative minor of E major is C# minor: it uses exactly the same notes and chords, but feels more serious.

How to use the chords of E major

Most songs in a major key start and end on the I chord and lean on the IV and V chords. Try I–IV–V first, then add the vi chord for a more emotional sound.

Chord progressions in E major

Popular progressions written out in E major:

I-V-vi-IV: E – B – C#m – A
I-IV-V: E – A – B
12-Bar Blues: E7 – E7 – E7 – E7 – A7 – A7 – E7 – E7 – B7 – A7 – E7 – B7
I-vi-IV-V (50s progression): E – C#m – A – B
vi-IV-I-V: C#m – A – E – B
ii-V-I: F#m7 – B7 – Emaj7

Scales to play in E major

E Major Scale E Major Pentatonic Scale E Mixolydian Scale

FAQ

What chords are in the key of E major?

The chords in E major are E, F#m, G#m, A, B, C#m, D#dim, which are chords I – ii – iii – IV – V – vi – vii° of the key.

What is the relative minor of E major?

It is C# minor. The two keys share exactly the same notes and chords.

How many sharps or flats are in E major?