Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

To play the E Power Chord chord on piano, press the keys E, B simultaneously. In root position, E is the lowest note. First inversion places B in the bass; second inversion uses undefined as the lowest note.

Piano Chord

E5 Piano Chord

Root and perfect fifth only — no third. Versatile in rock and metal with distortion. Learn the E Power Chord chord on piano with interactive keyboard, inversions, and audio playback.

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

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)

Other E Piano Chords

E
Major
Em
Minor
E7
Dominant 7th
Emaj7
Major 7th
Em7
Minor 7th
Edim
Diminished

Power Chord Chord in All 12 Keys

C5 C#5 D5 D#5 E5 F5 F#5 G5 G#5 A5 A#5 B5
Virtual Piano
Interactive keyboard
E5 Guitar
Guitar chord shapes
E Scale
Notes that fit this chord
Songs
Find songs using E5

Knowledge Base & FAQs

E5 Piano Chord — FAQ

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

How do I play the E5 chord on piano?

To play the E Power Chord chord on piano, press the keys E, B simultaneously.

In root position, E is the lowest note. First inversion places B in the bass; second inversion uses undefined as the lowest note.

What are the notes in the E5 piano chord?

The E Power Chord piano chord contains 2 notes: E, B.

These are derived from the power chord interval formula applied to the root note E.

What is the best fingering for E5 on piano?

For the E5 extended in root position, use fingers 1 (thumb), 3, and 5 for a triad, or 1, 2, 3, and 5 for a extended chord.

Inversions may use 1, 2, 4 (first inversion) or 1, 3, 5 (second inversion).

What does the E5 chord sound like?

The E5 chord has a root and perfect fifth only — no third.

versatile in rock and metal with distortion. It provides rich harmonic tension and expressive color within songwriting and jazz arrangements.

What keys does the E5 chord belong to?

E5 appears frequently across modal, jazz, blues, and contemporary progressions as an essential tension or resolution voicing.

What are the inversions of E5 on piano?

E5 has 1 inversions.

Root position: E–B–undefined. First inversion: B–undefined–E.

What chords go well with E5 on piano?

In the key of E major, E5 pairs naturally with A major (IV chord), B major (V chord), and C#m (vi chord).

The I–IV–V–I progression is a classic way to practice these.

Is E5 a good chord for beginners on piano?

Yes, E5 is a extended with 2 notes, making it accessible for beginners.

Practice playing all 2 keys simultaneously with proper finger positioning.

How do I use E5 in a chord progression?

E5 functions as the tonic (I) in E major.

A classic progression is I–IV–V–I: E5–A–B–E5. Practice this in both hands separately before combining.

What is the difference between E major and E minor on piano?

The E major chord (E–G#–B) uses a major third (4 semitones from root) for a bright sound.

The Em chord uses a minor third (3 semitones) for a darker, more emotional sound.