All 5 ways to play Emaj7 on guitar
-
021100 open position -
021404 open position -
xx2444 at the 2nd fret -
x76444 at the 4th fret -
x79897 at the 7th 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 Emaj7 on guitar
Main shape: 021100 (open position).
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 2nd fret of the A (5th) string.
- Put your index finger (1) on the 1st fret of the D (4th) string.
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 1st fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Let the low E (6th), B (2nd) and high E (1st) strings ring open (marked O).
- Strum all 6 strings.
Emaj7 notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| E | 1 | root |
| G♯ | 3 | major 3rd |
| B | 5 | perfect 5th |
| D♯ | 7 | major 7th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: Emaj7/G♯ (1st inversion), Emaj7/B (2nd inversion) and Emaj7/D♯ (3rd inversion).
Emaj7, EM7 and EΔ7 are three ways to write the same major 7th chord. Don't confuse it with Em7 (small "m": minor 7th) or E7 (dominant 7th).
Emaj7 on piano and ukulele
-
Emaj7 on piano E – G♯ – B – D♯ -
Emaj7 on ukulele 1302
Which keys use Emaj7?
Emaj7 is one of the basic chords of 4 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| E major | Emaj7 | Imaj7 | tonic |
| C♯ minor | Emaj7 | IIImaj7 | tonic |
| B major | Emaj7 | IVmaj7 | predominant |
| G♯ minor | Emaj7 | VImaj7 | tonic or predominant |
Progressions with Emaj7
- ii–V–I in E major: F♯m7 – B7 – Emaj7 A cadence that is extremely common in jazz.