How to play E Major on ukulele
These shapes are for standard GCEA tuning. 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: 1402
- Press the 4th string (G) at fret 1.
- Press the 3rd string (C) at fret 4.
- Press the 1st string (A) at fret 2.
- Let the 2nd string ring open.
Shape 2: 4447 (from fret 4)
- Press the 4th string (G) at fret 4.
- Press the 3rd string (C) at fret 4.
- Press the 2nd string (E) at fret 4.
- Press the 1st string (A) at fret 7.
Shape 3: 9877 (from fret 7)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 2nd strings at fret 7 (a barre).
- Press the 4th string (G) at fret 9.
- Press the 3rd string (C) at fret 8.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the string nearest your face 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 ukulele
C, D♭, D, E♭, F, F♯, G, A♭, A, B♭, B
Frequently asked questions
How do you play E Major on ukulele?
The easiest E shape on ukulele is 1402 (Press the 4th string (G) at fret 1. Press the 3rd string (C) at fret 4. Press the 1st string (A) at fret 2. Let the 2nd string 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 ukulele 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 guitar, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full ukulele chord library.