E Chord

Learn everything you need to know about the E chord on guitar - from easy open shapes to barre chords and more.

How to Play E Chord on Guitar

The E chord is one of the first chords beginners learn on guitar. It comes from the E major scale, which has the notes E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, and D#. To build the E major chord, you take the 1st (E), 3rd (G#), and 5th (B). To make it minor, just lower the 3rd — G# becomes G.

To play in open positions, you use your fingers on the 1st fret of the G string, and the 2nd frets of the A and D strings. You strum all six strings, giving the chord a big, full sound. It works well in all kinds of music like rock, blues, and pop.

The E minor chord is even easier. You only need two fingers - just press the 2nd frets of the A and D strings and leave the rest open. It sounds deep and emotional, and it's one of the easiest chords to play on guitar.

E chords can also be played higher up the neck as barre chords. A popular version of E major is on the 7th fret using the A-shape. The E minor barre shape also starts on the 7th fret, using the minor E-shape form.