Explore chords · Ukulele
E chord on ukulele (E major)
Also called or written E, Emaj, EM or E chord
E major contains E, G♯ and B. The 2nd fret shape is an intermediate grip that mutes the G string and uses three fretted notes.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, 5
How do you play an E major chord on ukulele?
E major is played at the 2nd fret as × 4 4 2: middle finger on the C string at fret 4, ring finger on the E string at fret 4 and index finger on the A string at fret 2. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 2 | E (1) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 3 | G♯ (3) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 1 | B (5) |
IntermediateThe 2nd fret shape requires muting the G string while fretting three other strings, which can be tricky for intermediate players.
E/G♯ inversion · 9-8-7-7
E major is played at the 7th fret as 9 8 7 7: pinky finger on the G string at fret 9, ring finger on the C string at fret 8, index finger on the E string at fret 7 and middle finger on the A string at fret 7.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9 | 4 | E (1) |
| 3 (C) | 8 | 3 | G♯ (3) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 1 | B (5) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 2 | E (1) |
E/G♯ inversion · ×-8-7-7
E major is played at the 7th fret as × 8 7 7: ring finger on the C string at fret 8, index finger on the E string at fret 7 and middle finger on the A string at fret 7. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | 8 | 3 | G♯ (3) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 1 | B (5) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 2 | E (1) |
2nd fret · 4-4-4-2
E major is played at the 2nd fret as 4 4 4 2: middle finger on the G string at fret 4, ring finger on the C string at fret 4, pinky finger on the E string at fret 4 and index finger on the A string at fret 2.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 2 | B (5) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 3 | E (1) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 4 | G♯ (3) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 1 | B (5) |
Why it sounds like that
E major is built from the root, major third and perfect fifth — 1, 3, 5. The major third G♯ gives the chord its bright quality. Lower that third by one semitone to G and you get E minor.
What goes wrong with E major?
- Letting the G string ring out and add a non-chord tone.
- Not pressing the C and E strings firmly enough, causing a buzz.
- Accidentally muting the A string with the index finger.
When to use it
E major is the tonic in E major, heard in progressions like E–A–B, the I–IV–V–I. It also fits the I–V–vi–IV in E major: E–B–C♯ minor–A. Use it for rock, blues and songs in sharp keys. Compare E 5th for a leaner two-note sound.
Changing to and from E major
- Move to F major by shifting the whole shape up one fret, keeping the same finger pattern.
- Slide the 2nd fret shape down one fret to the 1st fret to reach E♭ major.
Which voicing to use
The 2nd fret shape is the default, but the 7th fret shape is easier for some players because it uses all four strings. The E/G♯ inversion puts the third in the bass for a smoother voice leading into A major.
Other E chords
Common questions
How is E major written?
E major is written as E, Emaj or EM.
What is the difference between E major and E minor?
E major has a major third, G♯, while E minor has a minor third, G. This changes the chord from bright to sombre.
Why is the G string muted in the 2nd fret E major shape?
The open G string is not a chord tone, so it is muted to keep the chord clean and avoid an outside note.