Also written E5, E or E power chord
E 5th contains E and B. This open-position power chord uses a low E on the fourth string for a deep sound.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
E 5th is built from the formula 1, 5, with a perfect 5th between E and B. The perfect 5th gives the chord its open, stable sound. Compare it with E major, which adds a major 3rd for a fuller harmony.
E 5th works as the tonic in E major progressions like E–A–B, the I–IV–V. It suits rock, blues, and folk rhythm playing where a deep, open sound is needed.
The open position is the easiest and most resonant, with the root E on the 4th string. The E5/B inversion starting on fret 7 puts the 5th in the bass for a darker, less grounded sound.
E 5th is played in open position as 4 4 0 2: middle finger on the G string at fret 4, ring finger on the C string at fret 4 and index finger on the A string at fret 2. The E string rings open.
Tip — The stretch between the index finger on fret 2 and the middle/ring fingers on fret 4 is the main physical challenge.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 2 | B (5) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 3 | E (1) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (1) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 1 | B (5) |
E 5th is played at the 4th fret as 4 4 7 7: index finger on the G string at fret 4, middle finger on the C string at fret 4, ring finger on the E string at fret 7 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 7.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 1 | B (5) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 2 | E (1) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 3 | B (5) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 4 | E (1) |
E 5th is played at the 7th fret as × × 7 7: index finger on the E string at fret 7 and middle finger on the A string at fret 7. The G and C strings stay muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | muted | — | — |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 1 | B (5) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 2 | E (1) |
E 5th is played at the 9th fret as 9 11 × ×: index finger on the G string at fret 9 and middle finger on the C string at fret 11. The E and A strings stay muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9 | 1 | E (1) |
| 3 (C) | 11 | 2 | B (5) |
| 2 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
E 5th is played at the 11th fret as × 11 12 ×: index finger on the C string at fret 11 and middle finger on the E string at fret 12. The G and A strings stay muted.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 11 | 1 | B (5) |
| 2 (E) | 12 | 2 | E (1) |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
E 5th is written as E5 or simply E. It is also called a power chord.
E 5th omits the major 3rd, leaving only E and B. E major includes G♯, which gives it a brighter, more complete sound.
No, the open position uses individual fingers. The barre version at the 9th fret is an alternative, but it is not the default shape.