E Chord
How to play E major on guitar — bright and settled — the default, happy-sounding chord.
- Notes
- E – G♯ – B
- Frets (low → high)
- 0 2 2 1 0 0
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Shape
- Open position
How to play E, step by step
- 1Put your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string (5th).
- 2Put your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th).
- 3Put your index finger on the 1st fret of the G string (3rd).
- 4Let the low E, B and high E strings ring open.
- 5Strum slowly and check every string sounds cleanly; if one buzzes, press closer to the fret wire and arch your fingers so they clear the neighbouring strings.
What makes a major chord
Bright and settled — the default, happy-sounding chord.
| Note | Interval | Semitones above E |
|---|---|---|
| E | root | 0 |
| G♯ | major 3rd | 4 |
| B | 5th | 7 |
Which keys use E?
E appears in these keys, so a song built on it is most likely in one of them. Each page shows the full chord set and the easiest capo position.
Other E chords
Same root, different colour. Swapping one of these into a progression is the quickest way to change its mood without changing the key.
Every major chord
The same shape moved around the neck. If you can play E you are a fret-slide away from all of these.
Frequently asked questions
- What notes are in the E chord?
- E is made of E, G♯, B — the root, major 3rd, 5th of E.
- Is E hard to play?
- No — E sits at 0 2 2 1 0 0 and is rated beginner, so it is comfortable for most beginners.
Got a chart full of chords like E?
Upload a chord sheet and move every chord into a key that fits your hands and your voice — the layout stays exactly as printed. Or let the capo calculator pick the position that turns the barre chords into open ones.