How to play E Major on guitar
These shapes are for standard tuning (E A D G B E). The first is the easiest, and the others sit in different positions on the neck. Playing in another tuning? Pick it above the diagrams and the shapes are redrawn for it.
Shape 1: 022100
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1.
- Let the 6th, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
Shape 2: xx2100
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1.
- Let the 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
Shape 3: x76454 (from fret 4)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 3rd strings at fret 4 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 7.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 6.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 5.
- Don't play the 6th string.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the lowest (thickest) to the highest, with x meaning that string is not played and 0 meaning it rings open.
Notes in E Major
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| E | 1 (root) |
| G♯ | 3 |
| B | 5 |
The formula for E Major (major triad) is 1 3 5: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use E
Major chords are the home base of most pop, rock and folk songs. They sound happy and settled, and a major chord is the first thing most players learn in every key.
The chord belongs to the key of E major; see the E major scale for the other chords in the key.
Other E chords
Em, E7, Emaj7, Em7, Esus2, Esus4, E°, E+, Eadd9, E6, Eø7
Other major chords on guitar
C, D♭, D, E♭, F, F♯, G, A♭, A, B♭, B
Frequently asked questions
How do you play E Major on guitar?
The easiest E shape on guitar is 022100 (Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2. Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2. Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1. Let the 6th, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.)
What notes are in E Major?
E Major (E) contains the notes E G♯ B. The formula is 1 3 5.
How many guitar shapes are there for E?
There are many. This page shows 3 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
See E Major on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.