Playing the E5 Piano Chord
The E5 chord is a power chord chord built on the root E. It contains 2 notes: E, B. On piano, this chord is played by pressing these keys simultaneously or as an arpeggio.
Root and perfect fifth only — no third. Versatile in rock and metal with distortion. Mastering the E5 chord opens up countless songs and progressions in the key of E.
Piano Finger Positions for E5
For the E5 extended chord, use these finger positions:
- Right hand (root position): Thumb (1) on E, index (2) on next note.
- Arpeggiated: Play the notes sequentially from lowest to highest for a broken extended effect.
Interval Structure of E5
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note in E |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | Root (R) | 0 | E |
| 3rd | Perfect 5th | 7 | B |
Common Progressions with E5 on Piano
- I–IV–V–I: E5 – A5 – B5 – E5 (classic cadence)
- I–V–vi–IV: E5 – B – C#m – A (pop progression)
- ii–V–I: F#m – B – E5 (jazz turnaround)