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E(Major Chord)

A bright, happy triad built from a root, major third, and perfect fifth.

Notes
E – G# – B
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 4 – 7
Type
Triad

🎹 E on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the E chord.

R
E(Root (R))
2
G#(Major 3rd)
3
B(Perfect 5th)

🎸 E on Guitar

Fret numbers (low E → high e string): 022100(x=mute, 0=open)

0
E
2
A
2
D
1
G
0
B
0
e

Interval Analysis

DegreeInterval NameSemitonesNote in E
RootRoot (R)0E
3rdMajor 3rd4G#
5thPerfect 5th7B

About the E Major Chord

The E chord (E Major) consists of 3 notes: E, G#, B. A bright, happy triad built from a root, major third, and perfect fifth.

To build any major chord, apply intervals of 0, 4, 7 semitones above the root. Starting from E: the notes land on E, G#, B.

Playing E on Piano

Press E, G#, B simultaneously. In root position, E is lowest. First inversion places G# in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses B as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using E

  • I–IV–V: E – A – B (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: E – B – C#m – A (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: E – C#m – A – B (50s progression)

The E Chord in Context

As a major chord, E is the tonic (I) in the key of E major. It also appears as the IV chord in B major, and as the V chord in A major — making it one of the most important chords across all of Western music.

Other E Chords

Em
Minor
E7
Dominant 7th
Emaj7
Major 7th
Em7
Minor 7th
Edim
Diminished
Eaug
Augmented

Major Chord in All 12 Keys

CC#DD#EFF#GG#AA#B
🎹 Virtual Piano
Play E on piano
🎸 Virtual Guitar
See on the fretboard
🎵 E Scale
Notes that fit E
🎶 Songs
Find songs using E

FAQ

E Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the E chord?
The E Major chord contains: E, G#, B. These notes are derived by applying the major interval formula (0–4–7 semitones) to the root note E.
What is the E chord used for?
A bright, happy triad built from a root, major third, and perfect fifth. The E chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of E major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.
How do you play E on piano?
On piano, play E, G#, B simultaneously. In root position, E is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has G# lowest, second inversion has B lowest.
How many notes are in a major chord?
A major chord has 3 notes: E, G#, B (in E). It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.
What is the difference between E major and E minor?
The E major chord (E–G#–B) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound. The E minor chord (E–G–B) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.
What key does E belong to?
E naturally serves as the I chord in the key of E major. It also appears as IV in the key of B major, and as V in the key of A major.
Can I play E on ukulele?
Yes. The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The E chord notes (E, G#, B) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.
What chords go well with E?
In the key of E major, E pairs naturally with A major (IV), B major (V), and C#m (vi). The classic I–IV–V (E–A–B) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.
What is a chord inversion of E?
An inversion places a non-root note in the bass. E root position: E in bass. First inversion: G# in bass. Second inversion: B in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.
How do I memorize the notes in a major chord?
Remember the formula: 0–4–7 semitones from root. For E: start on E, add 4 semitones, then 7 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any major chord.