What is E Major?
The E Major guitar chord is formed by the notes E – G# – B and is played using the fingering 022100. It’s a major chord commonly used in E-A-B-E.
E Major Chord Diagram
Standard Position
6th (E) string: Open
5th (A) string: 2th fret
4th (D) string: 2th fret
3rd (G) string: 1th fret
2nd (B) string: Open
1st (E) string: Open
How to Play E Major
- Place fingertips close to the fret wire using the diagram 022100.
- Arch fingers so they don’t touch adjacent strings; keep thumb behind the neck.
- Pick each string to check for buzz or mute; adjust pressure and curl.
- Strum slow down-strums; add down–down–up–up–down–up when clean.
Pro Tip: Practice chord changes with a metronome at 70–90 BPM for one-minute rounds.
E Major Variations
E Major (Standard)
022100
Classic E major - bright and ringing
Esus4
022200
Suspended 4th creates tension before resolution
Emaj7
021100
Major 7th for jazz and sophisticated sounds
Popular Songs Using E Major
Famous Examples:
- • Free Fallin'
- • Hey Joe
- • Wild Thing
More Hits:
- • Gloria
- • Twist and Shout
Common Chord Progressions with E Major
E-A-B-E
Classic I-IV-V-I progression in E major
E-B-C#m-A
Popular I-V-vi-IV progression
E-A-E-B
A popular progression used in many songs
Practice Tips for E Major
1. Full Six-String Chord
E major uses all six strings, creating a full, rich sound. Make sure all strings ring clearly.
2. Finger Positioning
Use middle and ring fingers on 2nd fret A and D strings. Keep fingers arched.
Chord Family: A Major
E Major functions as V in the key of A Major.
Music Theory Behind E Major
Notes in E Major: E - G# - B
Scale: E - F# - G# - A - B - C# - D# - E
Key Signature: 4 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#)
Relative Minor: C# minor
E major is a bright, powerful key that uses all six strings on the guitar. It's common in rock, blues, and folk music due to its open string resonance.
Related Chords to Learn
Master E Major Today!
E Major is perfect for beginners. Practice daily and you'll have it mastered in no time!