What is E5?
The E5 guitar chord is formed by the notes E – B and is played using the fingering 022xxx. It’s a power chord commonly used in E5-A5-D5.
E5 Chord Diagram
Standard Position
6th (E) string: Open
5th (A) string: 2th fret
4th (D) string: 2th fret
3rd (G) string: Don't play
2nd (B) string: Don't play
1st (E) string: Don't play
How to Play E5
- Place fingertips close to the fret wire using the diagram 022xxx.
- 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.
E5 Variations
E5 (7th fret)
x799xx
Higher voicing on the 7th fret
E5 (12th fret)
x12,14,14,xx
Octave higher voicing
Popular Songs Using E5
Famous Examples:
- • Smoke on the Water
- • Wild Thing
More Hits:
- • Louie Louie
- • Come As You Are
Common Chord Progressions with E5
E5-A5-D5
Classic rock progression
E5-G5-D5-A5
Popular punk progression
E5-B5-C5-A5
A popular progression used in many songs
Practice Tips for E5
1. Rock Foundation
Essential for rock, punk, and metal music
2. Palm Muting
Try palm muting for a tight, percussive sound
Music Theory Behind E5
Notes in E5: E - B
Scale: E - F# - G# - A - B - C# - D# - E
Key Signature: Four sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#)
Relative Major: C#m
E5 is a power chord consisting of just the root (E) and fifth (B). It's neither major nor minor, making it perfect for rock and metal.
Related Chords to Learn
Master E5 Today!
E5 is perfect for beginners. Practice daily and you'll have it mastered in no time!