The E major chord contains 3 notes: E – G# – B (root, major 3rd, perfect 5th). On guitar, the open position is 022100 — all 6 strings ring. It is one of the easiest and most resonant open chords on guitar and the tonic chord of E major.
The E major chord is one of the foundational chords in Western music. Containing just three notes — E – G# – B — it forms the tonic chord of the key of E major and appears as a diatonic chord in several other keys.
The E Major Chord
Character & Usage
Rich, full, and resonant — all 6 strings ring openly. One of the easiest open chords and the foundation of countless rock songs.
The most natural guitar chord. Rock, blues, pop, classical. E major is often the first chord guitarists play.
How to Play the E Major Chord
The standard open position is: 022100 — 5th string 2nd fret, 4th string 2nd fret, 3rd string 1st fret, others open. Take it slowly — focus on getting each string to ring cleanly before worrying about speed. Muted strings (indicated by 'x') should be avoided with your fretting hand by letting fingers lightly touch them.
Explore Chord Voicings Interactively
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Open Chord Finder →Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the E major chord?
The E major chord contains E – G# – B. Built from: Root – Major 3rd – Perfect 5th.
How do you play the E major chord on guitar?
022100 — 5th string 2nd fret, 4th string 2nd fret, 3rd string 1st fret, others open
What keys is the E major chord in?
The E major chord naturally appears in: E major, A major, B major, C# minor.
What is the difference between E major and E minor?
E major contains E – G# – B. E minor replaces the major 3rd with a minor 3rd — giving it a darker, more melancholic sound while keeping the same root and fifth.
See also: Chord Finder · Chord Progression Generator · Scale Explorer