All 4 ways to play E on guitar
-
022100 open position -
xx2454 at the 2nd fret -
x76454 at the 4th fret -
x79997 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 E on guitar
Main shape: 022100 (open position).
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 2nd fret of the A (5th) string.
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 2nd fret of the D (4th) string.
- Put your index finger (1) 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.
E notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| E | 1 | root |
| G♯ | 3 | major 3rd |
| B | 5 | perfect 5th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: E/G♯ (1st inversion) and E/B (2nd inversion).
E on piano and ukulele
-
E on piano E – G♯ – B -
E on ukulele 1402
Which keys use E?
E is one of the basic chords of 6 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| A major | E | V | dominant |
| F♯ minor | E | VII | dominant |
| E major | E | I | tonic |
| C♯ minor | E | III | tonic |
| B major | E | IV | predominant |
| G♯ minor | E | VI | tonic or predominant |
| A minor | E | V | dominant (harmonic minor) |
Progressions with E
- I–IV–V–I in A major: A – D – E – A The basic cadence: tonic, predominant, dominant, tonic.
- I–V–vi–IV in A major: A – E – F♯m – D The four-chord pop progression (also called the Axis progression).
- vi–IV–I–V in A major: F♯m – D – A – E The same four chords, starting on the minor vi.
- I–vi–IV–V in A major: A – F♯m – D – E The '50s or doo-wop progression.
- I–IV–vi–V in A major: A – D – F♯m – E The four chords of I–V–vi–IV in another order.