Also written E, Emaj or EM
E major is built from E, G♯, and B. The default 2nd fret shape stacks three fingers on one fret, a test of finger independence.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
E major uses the 1–3–5 formula with a major 3rd (E–G♯) and a minor 3rd (G♯–B). The major 3rd gives it a bright, assertive quality. Lower that note a half step for E minor.
E major is the tonic in the I–IV–V–I of E major: E–A–B–E. It also drives the I–V–vi–IV loop E–B–C♯ minor–A. Use it for bright rock and country strumming. Compare E 5th for a leaner two-note option.
The 2nd fret voicing keeps E in the bass and suits mid-neck playing. The Emaj/G♯ inversion at 9-8-7-7 puts G♯ in the bass for a brighter, higher-register sound.
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.
Tip — Three fingers must fret adjacent strings at the same fret without collapsing onto each other.
| 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) |
E major is played in open position as 1 4 0 2: index finger on the G string at fret 1, ring finger on the C string at fret 4 and middle finger on the A string at fret 2. The E string rings open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (3) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 3 | E (1) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (1) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 2 | B (5) |
E major is played at the 1st fret as 1 4 4 2: index finger on the G string at fret 1, ring finger on the C string at fret 4, pinky finger on the E string at fret 4 and middle finger on the A string at fret 2.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (3) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 3 | E (1) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 4 | G♯ (3) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 2 | B (5) |
E major is played at the 4th fret as 4 4 4 7: barre your index finger across fret 4 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 7.
| 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) | 7 | 4 | E (1) |
E major is played at the 7th fret as 9 8 7 7: barre your index finger across fret 7, ring finger on the G string at fret 9 and middle finger on the C string at fret 8.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9 | 3 | E (1) |
| 3 (C) | 8 | 2 | G♯ (3) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 1 (barre) | B (5) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 1 (barre) | E (1) |
E major appears as E, Emaj, or EM.
The index finger sits two frets below the other three, so the hand must open wide. Practice the stretch slowly to build finger independence.
E major has G♯, while E minor lowers that note to G natural. The major 3rd gives E major its bright, driving sound.