E Major Chord

How to play E on guitar

Read the diagrams with the low E string on the left. × means do not play that string, ○ means play it open.

How to play E on piano

Play E, G♯, B together. With your right hand, use fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb on E). Your left hand can play E an octave lower for a fuller sound.

Chords in the key of E major

These seven chords are built from the E major scale (E, F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯, D♯), so they all sound at home next to E.

Common progressions in E major

• I - V - vi - IV: E - B - C♯m - A
• I - IV - V - I: E - A - B - E
• ii - V - I: F♯m - B - E
• vi - IV - I - V: C♯m - A - E - B

The relative minor of E major is C♯m. Both keys use the same notes. On the Camelot wheel, E major is 12B.

Related chords

• Em (E minor)
• E7 (E seventh)
• Emaj7 (E major seventh)
• Em7 (E minor seventh)
• Esus4 (E suspended fourth)
• All chords in the library

Change this chord into another key with the Chord Transposer, or look up any other chord or scale in the Chord and Scale Finder.