The E major chord (E) is made of the notes E, G# and B. It is built from the root E with a major third and a perfect fifth.
The major chord is the most common one: a stable, bright sound found in almost every pop, rock and folk song.
E major
Notes: E – G# – B
Guitar — positions on the neck
Piano — root position and inversions
Fingerings and positions
On guitar, this chord can be played in 6 ways along the neck. The lowest shape is an open chord (no barre), easier for beginners. Example fingering (from the low E string to the high E string, x = muted string): 022100. On piano, the right hand plays 3 notes, in root position or in an inversion.
Notes and intervals
Note
Interval
E
root
G#
major third
B
perfect fifth
In which keys? The E major chord is the I of E major, the V of A major, the IV of B major, the III of C# minor, the VII of F# minor and the VI of Ab minor.
The notes of the E major chord (E) are E, G# and B.
How do you play the E major chord on guitar?
On guitar, this chord can be played in 6 ways along the neck. The lowest shape is an open chord (no barre), easier for beginners. Example fingering (from the low E string to the high E string, x = muted string): 022100.
How is the E major chord built?
The E major chord (E) is made of the notes E, G# and B. It is built from the root E with a major third and a perfect fifth.