Playing the Emaj7 Piano Chord
The Emaj7 chord is a major 7th chord built on the root E. It contains 4 notes: E, G#, B, D#. On piano, this chord is played by pressing these keys simultaneously or as an arpeggio.
A major triad with a major seventh. Warm, sophisticated sound used in jazz and R&B. Mastering the Emaj7 chord opens up countless songs and progressions in the key of E.
Piano Finger Positions for Emaj7
For the Emaj7 seventh chord, use these finger positions:
- Right hand (root position): Thumb (1) on E, middle finger (3) on G#, pinky (5) on B.
- Left hand (root position): Pinky (5) on E, middle finger (3) on G#, thumb (1) on B.
- Arpeggiated: Play the notes sequentially from lowest to highest for a broken seventh effect.
Emaj7 Chord Inversions
Inversions change the bass note while keeping the same harmonic quality:
| Inversion | Bass Note | Notes (bottom to top) | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | E | E – G# – B – D# | Most stable |
| 1st | G# | G# – B – D# – E | Lighter, less stable |
| 2nd | B | B – D# – E – G# | Open, airy |
Interval Structure of Emaj7
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note in E |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | Root (R) | 0 | E |
| 3rd | Major 3rd | 4 | G# |
| 5th | Perfect 5th | 7 | B |
| 7th | Major 7th | 11 | D# |
Common Progressions with Emaj7 on Piano
- I–IV–V–I: Emaj7 – Amaj7 – Bmaj7 – Emaj7 (classic cadence)
- I–V–vi–IV: Emaj7 – B – C#m – A (pop progression)
- ii–V–I: F#m – B – Emaj7 (jazz turnaround)