Explore chords · Ukulele
E 5th chord on ukulele (E5)
Also called or written E5, E or E power chord
E 5th contains E and B. This beginner power chord uses an open E string and one fretted note at the 2nd fret.
How it is built
Formula 1, 5
How do you play an E 5th chord on ukulele?
E 5th is played in open position as × × 0 2: index finger on the A string at fret 2. The E string rings open. The G and C strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | muted | — | — |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (1) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 1 | B (5) |
BeginnerThe single fretted note at the 2nd fret requires clean finger placement while the open E string rings, and the G and C strings must be muted.
E5/B inversion · fret 9
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9 | 1 | E (1) |
| 3 (C) | 11 | 2 | B (5) |
| 2 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
4th fret
E 5th is played at the 4th fret as 4 4 × ×: index finger on the G string at fret 4 and middle finger on the C string at fret 4. The E and A strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 1 | B (5) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 2 | E (1) |
| 2 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
E5/B inversion · fret 7
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | muted | — | — |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 1 | B (5) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 2 | E (1) |
E5/B inversion · fret 11
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 11 | 1 | B (5) |
| 2 (E) | 12 | 2 | E (1) |
| 1 (A) | muted | — | — |
Why it sounds like that
E 5th is built from the formula 1, 5, using the root E and its perfect fifth B. The perfect fifth gives the chord its open, stable sound. Compare E 5th with E major, which adds the major third G♯.
What goes wrong with E 5th?
- Letting the G or C string ring open because the muting finger is not touching it.
- Pressing the A string too hard and pulling it sharp.
- Flattening the index finger onto the E string and accidentally fretting it.
When to use it
E 5th works as a power chord in E major progressions like E–A–B, the I–IV–V in E major. E 5th suits folk and rock strumming where a full major chord sounds too sweet.
Changing to and from E 5th
- Move from E 5th to A major by lifting the index finger and placing it on the G string 2nd fret while the E string stays open.
- E 5th has open strings, so it does not slide; instead, lift the fingers and place them on the next chord.
Which voicing to use
The open position keeps E in the bass for a rooted sound. The E5/B inversions put B in the bass, which softens the chord and works well when moving to A major or C♯ minor.
Other E chords
Common questions
Why does E 5th sound different from E major?
E 5th omits the major third G♯, leaving only the root and fifth. Without the third the chord has no major or minor quality, which is why it works over both E major and E minor contexts.
Can I play E 5th higher up the neck?
Yes, the 9th fret position plays E and B on the G and C strings. That register is brighter and cuts through a mix, but you lose the open string warmth.
How do I mute the G and C strings in E 5th?
Rest the side of your fretting hand or a spare finger lightly on the G and C strings without pressing them to the frets. Check with a slow strum that only E and A strings sound.