Mastering the E chord guitar opens a gateway to foundational playing. As one of the fundamental major chords, its versatile shape forms the basis for countless songs across various genres.
Whether you’re a beginner honing your skills or an experienced player exploring new progressions, understanding and perfecting the E chord enhances your musical repertoire and creativity
How to play the E chord on guitar?
To play the E chord guitar, follow these steps:
Position Your Fingers:
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 3rd string (G string).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string (A string).
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D string).
Strum the Chord:
- Strum all six strings starting from the low E string (6th string).
Check Each Note:
- Ensure each string sounds clear without any muted or buzzing sounds.
Here’s a simple diagram to help visualize the E chord:
6 Variations of the E chord on guitar
Here are several variations of the E chord on guitar:
E Minor (Em)
To play Em Chord (E minor), simply lift your index finger from the 1st fret of the 3rd string (G string), leaving it open. Keep the other fingers in the same positions as for E major.
E7 (E dominant 7th)
To play E7, keep your index finger on the 1st fret of the 3rd string (G string) and add your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th string (D string).
E Major 7 (Emaj7)
To play E major 7, maintain the E major chord shape and add your pinky finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string (B string).
E Minor 7 (Em7)
To play E minor 7, keep the E minor chord shape and add your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string (B string).
E Minor 9 (Em9)
To play E minor 9, keep the E minor chord shape and add your pinky finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string (B string).
E Power Chord (E5)
The E power chord (E5) uses only two fingers: index finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string (A string) and ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D string). The 6th string (E string) is played open.
These variations provide flexibility in playing music and allow you to create diverse musical expressions from the basic E chord. Experiment with these variations to expand your creativity and musical repertoire on the guitar.
5 Examples of how to play the E chord guitar
As you’ve learned, a major chord consists of three notes: the root, the third, and the fifth. Specifically, an E chord is spelled E G# B, indicated in Example 1. (It’s worth noting that the key of E major contains four sharps: F#, C#, G#, and D#). Example 2 illustrates how to play an open E chord, while Example 3 showcases a compact voicing using only the top three strings, conveniently situated nearby. It’s worth mentioning that this shape mirrors an open D chord, albeit played two frets higher. For fingerpicking, you can incorporate the low E string.
Examples 4a and 4b illustrate two distinct fingerings for an E barre chord positioned at the seventh fret. For a condensed three-note voicing derived from this shape, refer to Example 4c. While you could opt for an E barre chord at the 12th fret, it’s not particularly practical on an acoustic guitar. Instead, focus on playing just the top four strings, as demonstrated in Example 5a, or utilize the open E shape from Example 2, transposed 12 frets higher, as shown in Example 5b. This voicing is facilitated by the open E and B strings.
FAQs about the E Chord Guitar
1. What songs can I play with the E chord?
Many songs use the E chord, including classic rock tracks, folk songs, and pop hits. Examples include “Wonderwall” by Oasis, “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison, and “Hey Jude” by The Beatles.
2. Why does my E chord sound muted or buzz?
Ensure fingers are pressing down firmly behind frets, not on top. Check finger placement and adjust until strings sound clear when strummed.
3. How can I improve my E chord technique?
Practice regularly, focusing on finger placement and clean strumming. Use a metronome to develop rhythm and practice chord transitions to build fluency.
4. Can I use a capo with the E chord?
Yes, placing a capo on different frets changes the pitch but maintains the E chord shape relative to the capo position, allowing for easier key changes in songs.
These FAQs cover basic and advanced aspects of the E chord guitar, helping you understand and master this fundamental chord shape.
By mastering the E chord guitar, you not only develop essential skills but also gain confidence in playing foundational chord progressions. Whether you’re strumming along to classic rock tunes or crafting your own compositions, the versatility of the E chord remains indispensable. Embrace its simplicity and power to elevate your musical journey, unlocking new possibilities with every chord change.