All 4 ways to play E7 on guitar
-
020100 open position -
x7675x at the 5th fret -
x79797 at the 7th fret -
x-x-x-9-9-10 at the 9th fret
Diagrams: strings run from the lowest on the left; X = don't play, O = open string, numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger).
How to play E7 on guitar
Main shape: 020100 (open position).
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 2nd fret of the A (5th) string.
- Put your index finger (1) on the 1st fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Let the low E (6th), D (4th), B (2nd) and high E (1st) strings ring open (marked O).
- Strum all 6 strings.
E7 notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| E | 1 | root |
| G♯ | 3 | major 3rd |
| B | 5 | perfect 5th |
| D | ♭7 | minor 7th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: E7/G♯ (1st inversion), E7/B (2nd inversion) and E7/D (3rd inversion).
E7 on piano and ukulele
-
E7 on piano E – G♯ – B – D -
E7 on ukulele 1202
Which keys use E7?
E7 is one of the basic chords of 2 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| A major | E7 | V7 | dominant |
| F♯ minor | E7 | VII7 | dominant |
| A minor | E7 | V7 | dominant (harmonic minor) |
Progressions with E7
- ii–V–I in A major: Bm7 – E7 – Amaj7 A cadence that is extremely common in jazz.
- 12-bar blues in A major: A7 – A7 – A7 – A7 – D7 – D7 – A7 – A7 – E7 – D7 – A7 – E7 Twelve bars of I, IV and V with dominant 7th chords: one of the most prominent progressions in popular music.
- iiø–V–i in A minor: Bm7♭5 – E7 – Am7 The minor ii–V–i of jazz.