E Chord
The E is a major chord that sounds bright, happy, and resolved. Major chords are the backbone of countless songs. Their bright, stable sound makes them perfect for strumming, picking, and rhythm playing across every genre.
Open Position
Chord Diagrams
Open Position
No barre required
Open Position (Alt)
Alternative voicing
How to Play E
Follow these steps for the open position fingering:
| # | String | Instruction | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low E (6th string) | ○Open — play the open string | E |
| 2 | A (5th string) | ●Fret 2 with your middle finger | G# |
| 3 | D (4th string) | ●Fret 2 with your ring finger | B |
| 4 | G (3rd string) | ●Fret 1 with your index finger | E |
| 5 | B (2nd string) | ○Open — play the open string | G# |
| 6 | High E (1st string) | ○Open — play the open string | B |
○ = Open string (no fingers needed)
✕ = Muted string (don't play)
● = Press your finger down firmly just behind the fret
Notes in E
The E chord is built from 3 distinct notes, each serving a harmonic role:
Songs Using E
These songs from our play-along library feature the E chord:
Stand By Me
Ben E. King
Hey Joe
Jimi Hendrix
Three Little Birds
Bob Marley
Hotel California
Eagles
House of the Rising Sun
The Animals
I'm Yours
Jason Mraz
Wild Thing
The Troggs
Santeria
Sublime
Hey Soul Sister
Train
The A Team
Ed Sheeran
Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)
The Beatles
Tears in Heaven
Eric Clapton
Crash Into Me
Dave Matthews Band
Africa
Toto
Tenerife Sea
Ed Sheeran
Under the Bridge
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Roxanne
The Police
Other E Chords
Explore other chord types built on the same root note:
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