Open version
Let the low E and high E ring; this is one of the strongest open guitar tonics.
Guitar chord
E Major Guitar Chord
E Major is a major triad built from E, G#, B. Home chord in E and the movable shape behind E-form barre chords.
- Beginner
- Major triad
- 1-3-5
- open and barre shapes
E Major at a glance
Start with the notes and a practical fingering before changing voicings.
| Chord detail | What it means on guitar |
|---|---|
| Notes in the chord | E, G#, B |
| Basic fingering | Open E: 022100, with all six strings available. |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Common use | Home chord in E and the movable shape behind E-form barre chords. |
Fingering and voicings
Choose the version that keeps the progression clean in time.
Barre version
Move the same E shape up the neck as an E-form barre chord.
Easier version
Use 02210x or xxx100 if you need a smaller voicing inside a busy progression.
Alternate voicing
E7 (020100) adds blues and dominant pull; Esus4 (022200) adds a suspended lift.
Theory for E Major
The chord name tells you the interval recipe; the key tells you its job.
| Concept | Value |
|---|---|
| Formula | 1-3-5 |
| Notes | E, G#, B |
| Chord family | Major triad |
| Diatonic keys where it appears | E major, A major, B major, C# minor, F# minor |
Common progressions using E
Use these pages to hear the chord inside real movement instead of as an isolated shape.
Practice it in context
Open StrumForge to place E inside a progression with diagrams, playback, and scale context.
- StrumForge app Open the main guitar-first progression generator.
- Guitar chord progression generator Generate playable four-chord loops with diagrams and groove playback.
- Guitar practice app Use the native apps for daily practice, saved ideas, and longer sessions.
- Features See the progression, playback, diagram, and scale tools in one place.
FAQ
Short answers for players using this page as a practice or writing reference.
What notes are in E Major?
E Major contains E, G#, B.
What is the easiest E Major guitar shape?
Use 02210x or xxx100 if you need a smaller voicing inside a busy progression.
Is E Major a beginner chord?
Beginner is the practical difficulty. Use the easier version if the full voicing slows the progression down.
What progressions use E Major?
Common examples include I-V-vi-IV Guitar Chord Progression, I-IV-V Guitar Chord Progression, vi-IV-I-V Guitar Chord Progression.