transpose.siteE chord (E major)
The E chord is a major chord built on E. A major triad: the root with a major third and a perfect fifth on top. It sounds bright and settled, which is why it opens and closes so many songs.
E guitar chord
Common shape
Barre, root on 5th string (fret 7)
The left vertical line is the 6th (thickest) string. Numbers in dots are fingers (1 index · 2 middle · 3 ring · 4 little), × means don't play that string and ○ means open.
Play it the easy way with a capo
- Capo on fret 2 + D shape
- Capo on fret 4 + C shape
- Capo on fret 7 + A shape
With a capo on for the whole song, every other chord moves by the same number of frets.
E chord notes
| Degree | 1 (root) | 3 (major 3rd) | 5 (perfect 5th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | E | G♯ | B |
E piano chord
On piano, press these 3 notes together. Bass players usually play the root, E.
Keys that use E
- E major: I
- A major: V
- B major: IV
- C♯ minor: III
- F♯ minor: VII
- G♯ minor: VI
Progressions in E major
- E – B – C♯m – A (I – V – vi – IV, the most common pop progression)
- E – C♯m – A – B (I – vi – IV – V, the '50s progression, ballads)
Transposing E
One half step up, E becomes F; one half step down, E♭. To change the key of a whole PDF score, open it in the free PDF transposer.