Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

To play the E Major chord on guitar, find the notes E, G#, B across the fretboard. The root E typically goes on the 6th or 5th string. Use the interactive fretboard above to see exact finger placement for this triad chord shape.

Guitar Chord

E Guitar Chord

A bright, happy triad built from a root, major third, and perfect fifth. Learn the E Major chord on guitar with interactive fretboard, audio playback, and multiple voicings.

Notes
E – G# – B
Intervals
0 – 4 – 7
Type
triad chord
E G# B
E
A
D
G
B
e
3
5
7
9
12
3 notes · Standard (E A D G B E)

Playing the E Guitar Chord

The E chord is a major chord built on the root E. It contains 3 notes: E, G#, B. On guitar, this chord can be played in multiple positions across the fretboard, from open shapes to barre chord voicings.

A bright, happy triad built from a root, major third, and perfect fifth. For guitarists, mastering the E chord unlocks many songs in the key of E.

Recommended E Guitar Voicing

The interactive fretboard above shows a practical E voicing. The chord notes (E, G#, B) appear as highlighted positions. Tap any highlighted fret to hear that note, or click "Play E" to hear the full chord.

Interval Structure of E

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

Common Progressions with E on Guitar

  • I–IV–V: E – A – B (foundation of blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: E – B – C#m – A (modern pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: E – C#m – A – B (50s doo-wop)

Tips for Practicing E on Guitar

Start by finding the root note E on the 6th and 5th strings. Build the chord shape from there. Practice transitioning between E and nearby chords like A and B. Use slow, deliberate strums and check each string rings clearly.

Other E Guitar Chords

Em
Minor
E7
Dominant 7th
Emaj7
Major 7th
Em7
Minor 7th
Edim
Diminished
Eaug
Augmented

Major Chord in All 12 Keys

C C# D D# E F F# G G# A A# B
Virtual Guitar
Interactive fretboard
E Piano
Piano chord diagram
E Scale
Notes that fit this chord
Songs
Find songs using E

Knowledge Base & FAQs

E Guitar Chord — FAQ

Everything you need to know about our browser-based Web Audio engine, instruments, and music theory workspace.

How do I play the E chord on guitar?

To play the E Major chord on guitar, find the notes E, G#, B across the fretboard.

The root E typically goes on the 6th or 5th string. Use the interactive fretboard above to see exact finger placement for this triad chord shape.

What notes make up the E guitar chord?

The E Major guitar chord contains 3 notes: E, G#, B.

These are derived from the major interval formula applied to the root E.

What is the best guitar voicing for E?

The most common guitar voicing for E uses a root position with E on the 6th or 5th string.

The exact frets depend on your preferred voicing — the interactive fretboard above shows a recommended open or barre position shape.

Is E a beginner-friendly guitar chord?

E is a triad, making it accessible for beginners.

Focus on clean fretting of each 3 notes and strumming only the target strings.

What is a barre chord version of E?

A barre chord version of E uses your index finger pressed across all strings at a specific fret, with the remaining fingers forming the chord shape.

The root E determines the barre position on the 6th or 5th string.

What are common chord progressions with E on guitar?

E works naturally as the tonic in E major.

Common progressions include I–IV–V (E–A–B) and I–V–vi–IV (E–B–C#m–A).

How does E sound different on guitar vs piano?

The E chord contains the same notes (E, G#, B) on both instruments.

On guitar, the voicing depends on string selection and fret position, creating a different timbre. Guitar chords often include string-specific articulations like hammer-ons and pull-offs.

Can I play E as an open chord on guitar?

Open major chords like E are possible when E is one of C, A, G, E, or D.

These are the five CAGED open chord shapes that form the foundation of guitar playing.

What is the difference between the E chord on guitar and ukulele?

The E chord contains the same notes (E, G#, B) on both instruments.

However, the guitar has 6 strings in EADGBE tuning while the ukulele has 4 strings in GCEA tuning, so the finger shapes are completely different.

How do I practice transitioning to and from E on guitar?

Practice moving between E and its neighboring chords in the key of E major: A and B.

Use a metronome at a slow tempo (60 BPM) and focus on clean, simultaneous finger placement.