E Major Chord

A bright, happy triad built from a root, major third, and perfect fifth.

E Chord — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

The E (Major) chord consists of the notes E, G#, B. It is constructed from the root note E using the major interval formula (0–4–7 semitones).

Formula: 0 – 4 – 7

Notes

E – G# – B

Intervals (semitones)

0 – 4 – 7

Type

Triad

E on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the E chord.

E (Root (R))

G# (Major 3rd)

B (Perfect 5th)

E on Guitar

Fret numbers (low E → high e string): 022100 (x=mute, 0=open)

Interval Analysis

Degree	Interval Name	Semitones	Note in E
Root	Root (R)	0	E
3rd	Major 3rd	4	G#
5th	Perfect 5th	7	B

About the E Major Chord

The E chord (E Major) consists of 3 notes: E, G#, B. A bright, happy triad built from a root, major third, and perfect fifth.

To build any major chord, apply intervals of 0, 4, 7 semitones above the root. Starting from E: the notes land on E, G#, B.

Playing E on Piano

Press E, G#, B simultaneously. In root position, E is lowest. First inversion places G# in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses B as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using E

I–IV–V: E – A – B (blues and rock)
I–V–vi–IV: E – B – C#m – A (pop staple)
I–vi–IV–V: E – C#m – A – B (50s progression)

The E Chord in Context

As a major chord, E serves as the tonic (I) in the key of E major. It also appears as the IV chord in B major, and as the V chord in A major — making it one of the foundational primary triads in Western harmony.

Other E Chords

Major Chord in All 12 Keys

C C# D D# E F F# G G# A A# B

Knowledge Base & FAQs

E Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

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What notes are in the E chord?

The E Major chord contains: E, G#, B.

These notes are derived by applying the major interval formula (0–4–7 semitones) to the root note E.

What is the E chord used for?

A bright, happy triad built from a root, major third, and perfect fifth.

The E chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of E major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.

How do you play E on piano?

On piano, play E, G#, B simultaneously.

In root position, E is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has G# lowest, second inversion has B lowest.

How many notes are in a major chord?

A major chord has 3 notes: E, G#, B (in E).

It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.

What is the difference between E major and E minor?

The E major chord (E–G#–B) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound.

The E minor chord (E–G–B) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.

What key does E belong to?

E naturally serves as the I chord in the key of E major.

It also appears as IV in the key of B major, and as V in the key of A major.

Can I play E on ukulele?

Yes.

The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The E chord notes (E, G#, B) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.

What chords go well with E?

In the key of E major, E pairs naturally with A major (IV), B major (V), and C#m (vi).

The classic I–IV–V (E–A–B) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.

What is a chord inversion of E?

An inversion places a non-root note in the bass.

E root position: E in bass. First inversion: G# in bass. Second inversion: B in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.

How do I memorize the notes in a major chord?

Remember the formula: 0–4–7 semitones from root.

For E: start on E, add 4 semitones, then 7 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any major chord.