The E major chord contains E – G♯ – B (Root – Major 3rd – Perfect 5th). Standard open position: 022100. It appears in E major (I), A major (V), B major (IV).
Character & Sound
Full, rich, and powerful — the open E major chord uses all six strings and resonates with exceptional depth. It is the deepest-voiced open chord on standard-tuned guitar.
Rock, blues, metal. The open E chord is a foundation of rock guitar. Its power chord variant (E5: 022xxx) is used throughout rock and metal.
The parallel chord is E minor — same root, minor 3rd instead of major. Compare them side by side in the Chord Finder.
How to Play the E Major Guitar Chord
Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the G string, middle on the 2nd fret of the A string, and ring on the 2nd fret of the D string. All other strings ring open. Strum all six strings for the full chord.
Songs That Use E
- "Sweet Child O' Mine" – Guns N' Roses
- "Comfortably Numb" – Pink Floyd
- "All Along the Watchtower" – Jimi Hendrix
- "Layla" – Eric Clapton
Explore Chord Voicings Interactively
The MusoKit Chord Finder shows every voicing on guitar, piano, and ukulele — with audio playback.
Open Chord Finder →Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the E major chord?
The E major chord contains E – G♯ – B (root, major 3rd, perfect 5th).
How do you play E major on guitar?
022100 — index on 1st fret G, middle on 2nd fret A, ring on 2nd fret D. Strum all six strings.
What keys use the E major chord?
E major appears in E major (I), A major (V), and B major (IV).
Is E major a beginner chord?
Yes — the open E chord is one of the first chords beginners learn. Its full six-string voicing sounds particularly powerful and resonant.