Also written E7, E or E Dominant 7th
E 7th is built from E, G♯, B, and D. The default voicing at 1-2-0-2 uses three fingers and an open string, but the 4th fret barre shape is also available.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
E 7th stacks a major 3rd, perfect 5th, and minor 7th over E. The minor 7th D is what makes it dominant, pulling toward A major. Compare it to E major, which omits that D.
E 7th is the V chord in A major, resolving to A major in progressions like A–D–E–A (I–IV–V–I). It suits blues, rock, and country, especially as a turnaround to A major.
The default voicing at 1-2-0-2 places D in the bass, creating a second-inversion sound. The 4th fret barre shape puts E in the bass for a root-position feel. For a brighter register, use E7/G♯ at 7-8-7-7 with G♯ in the bass.
E 7th is played in open position as 1 2 0 2: index finger on the G string at fret 1, middle finger on the C string at fret 2 and ring finger on the A string at fret 2. The E string rings open.
Tip — The ring finger must fret the 1st string cleanly while the 2nd string rings open beside it.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (3) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 2 | D (♭7) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (1) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 3 | B (5) |
E 7th is played at the 4th fret as 4 4 4 5: barre your index finger across fret 4 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 5.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 1 (barre) | B (5) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 1 (barre) | E (1) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 1 (barre) | G♯ (3) |
| 1 (A) | 5 | 4 | D (♭7) |
E 7th is played at the 7th fret as 7 8 7 7: index finger on the G string at fret 7, pinky finger on the C string at fret 8, middle finger on the E string at fret 7 and ring finger on the A string at fret 7.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7 | 1 | D (♭7) |
| 3 (C) | 8 | 4 | G♯ (3) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 2 | B (5) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 3 | E (1) |
E 7th is played at the 9th fret as 9 11 10 11: index finger on the G string at fret 9, ring finger on the C string at fret 11, middle finger on the E string at fret 10 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 11.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9 | 1 | E (1) |
| 3 (C) | 11 | 3 | B (5) |
| 2 (E) | 10 | 2 | D (♭7) |
| 1 (A) | 11 | 4 | G♯ (3) |
E 7th is written as E7. It may also be called Dominant 7th or Major Minor 7th.
E 7th contains a tritone between G♯ and D, which creates dissonance. This tension resolves when the chord moves to A major.
Yes, use the 4th fret barre shape 4-4-4-5. It places E in the bass and is useful for moving up the neck.