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E Major Chord on Guitar

231

Open E. All six strings ring. It is the shape the movable E-shape barre chords come from.

The E major chord, or E, uses all six strings and is the shape behind every E-shape barre chord.

How to play E, finger by finger

  1. Put your index finger on string 3 at the 1st fret.
  2. Put your middle finger on string 5 at the 2nd fret.
  3. Put your ring finger on string 4 at the 2nd fret.
  4. Strum all six strings.

More ways to play E

7fr1234
A-shape barre from fret 7
21
Open near the nut
1234
Open, fret 2 near the nut
4fr4312
Movable, fret 4 from fret 4
5fr3214
Movable, fret 5 from fret 5
7fr1234
Movable, fret 7 from fret 7
9fr4311
Barre, fret 9 from fret 9
12fr4312
Movable, fret 12 from fret 12

Notes in E major

NoteIntervalRole
E1root
G♯3major third
B5fifth

Formula: 1 – 3 – 5

Questions about E

What is the difference between E and Em?

One finger. Lift the index finger off the 3rd string and E major becomes E minor.

Often played with E

Other major chords