How to play E: a major built on E, with 6 ways to play it, the notes, the keys it belongs to, and songs that use it.
The first diagram is a common voicing: an open-position shape using 3 open strings, played near the nut. An X above a string means don't play it; an O means play it open.
Frets from the low E string to the high E string: 0 2 2 1 0 0 (x = not played).
| Note | E | G# | B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interval | R | 3 | 5 |
E is a major with E as its root. The full theoretical spelling is E, G#, B. This voicing sounds every chord tone.
E is a diatonic chord (built from the key's own notes) in 3 major keys and 4 minor keys. The roman numeral is the chord's place in that key; tap a key for all of its chords.
Free chord sheets on Guitar Scribble with E in them. Each opens with the chords over the lyrics and plays in any key.
All tools are free with no download. Customize the fingering, print it, or drop it straight into a chart.
🤲 Play E a way we don't show? Suggest your voicing and it may join the library (with a thank-you in your inbox).
E is spelled E, G#, B: the root, 3rd, 5th. The common guitar voicing sounds every one of them.
Frets from the low E string to the high E string: 0 2 2 1 0 0 (x means the string is not played). Fret the G string at the 1st fret. Add the A and D strings at the 2nd fret. The low E, B and high E strings ring open. Strum all six strings.
E belongs to 7 keys: E major (the I chord), B major (the IV chord), A major (the V chord), G# minor (the VI), C# minor (the III), F# minor (the VII) and A minor (the V, from the harmonic minor).