The E7 Guitar Chord. Just hearing its name might not send shivers down your spine, but this chord is a powerhouse in music. Think of it as that reliable tool in your guitar toolkit that always gets the job done, injecting flavor and intrigue into countless songs. From the soulful depths of blues to the energetic vibes of rock, folk, soul, and funk, the E7 is everywhere.
Considering its widespread use and undeniable coolness, mastering the E7 chord is a must for any guitarist. Let’s dive into the essence of the E7, explore different ways to play it, and see how it elevates songs across diverse genres.
Decoding the E7 Chord: What Notes Are We Playing?
If you’re familiar with the standard E major chord, you know it’s built from three notes: E, G#, and B. The E7 chord takes it a step further by adding a fourth note: D. So, the complete recipe for an E7 is E, G#, B, and D. That D note is the secret ingredient, the “7th” that gives the E7 its distinctive character. Being just a whole step below the root note E, it creates a musical tension that yearns for resolution, giving the chord its signature bluesy and jazzy feel. Now, let’s explore some practical ways to bring this chord to life on your guitar.
The Essential Open Position E7 Guitar Chord
In standard guitar tuning, you can conjure a rich, resonant E7 chord using just two fingers in the open position. It’s a foundational voicing that’s both simple to learn and incredibly effective.
- Index finger: Press down on the 1st fret of the G (3rd) string
- Middle finger: Press down on the 2nd fret of the A (5th) string
- Strum all six strings from the low E (6th) string downwards
This configuration produces the following notes, from the thickest string to the thinnest: E, B, D, G#, B, E.
Listen to John Lee Hooker’s classic “Boom Boom.” The song kicks off with the E7, immediately establishing the song’s infectious groove. It’s the rhythmic and harmonic bedrock upon which the entire track is built, making it impossible not to tap your foot along. Released in 1962, “Boom Boom” profoundly impacted British musicians like Eric Clapton and The Beatles. This blues influence is evident in songs like The Beatles’ “I Saw Her Standing There,” released just a year later in 1963. This iconic track blends blues elements into an upbeat rock and roll anthem, complete with pop sensibilities and catchy handclaps, all anchored by the foundational E7 chord.
Adding Depth: The Four-Finger Open E7 Variation
Once you’ve mastered the basic two-finger E7, you can enrich its sound and add a bit more complexity by incorporating your ring and pinky fingers into the mix. This voicing offers a slightly different flavor and helps develop finger dexterity.
- Index finger: 1st fret of the G (3rd) string (same as version 1)
- Middle finger: 2nd fret of the A (5th) string (same as version 1)
- Ring finger: 2nd fret of the D (4th) string (new addition!)
- Pinky finger: 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string (new addition!)
- Strum all six strings from the low E (6th) string downwards
This fuller formation gives you these notes, low to high: E, B, E, G#, D, E. Notice anything different? The D note, the crucial 7th, is now voiced an octave higher than in the first version. This higher register D cuts through the mix more prominently, making the “7th” quality of the chord even more pronounced. It delivers a brighter, more ringing E7 sound and provides a great exercise for strengthening your ring and pinky fingers.
Exploring the E7 Guitar Chord at the 5th Position
Moving up the neck, the E7 chord at the 5th position offers a different sonic palette and practical advantages. This voicing has a brighter, more delicate quality compared to the open position E7s. Furthermore, its location on the fretboard can facilitate smoother transitions to other chords within a song, especially in higher keys. A perfect example of this can be heard in the bridge of Etta James’ timeless ballad “At Last.” During the line, “A dream that I can call my own,” the song features quick chord changes from D#7 to E7. The 5th position E7 is ideally suited for executing this musical moment with grace and fluidity.
Here’s how to form the E7 chord in the 5th position:
- Index finger: 5th fret of the B (2nd) string
- Middle finger: 6th fret of the D (4th) string
- Ring finger: 7th fret of the A (5th) string
- Pinky finger: 7th fret of the G (3rd) string
- Strum all six strings from the low E (6th) string downwards
E7: A Chord for All Seasons and Genres
The E7 guitar chord’s versatility is truly remarkable, seamlessly fitting into virtually every musical genre imaginable. You’ll find it gracing traditional tunes like “Amazing Grace” and “Oh! Susanna,” adding a touch of soulful warmth. It’s also a staple in Motown hits, such as “My Guy,” contributing to that signature sophisticated yet groovy sound. Even contemporary artists like Amy Winehouse, known for her modern take on soul, blues, and jazz, incorporated the E7 into tracks like “You Know I’m No Good,” demonstrating its timeless appeal and adaptability.
The E7 guitar chord is a gateway to a richer, more expressive guitar playing experience. Explore these different E7 chord shapes, experiment with them in your own playing, and discover how this essential chord can unlock new musical possibilities. For a deeper dive into chords, explore comprehensive chord libraries and tutorials to further expand your guitar vocabulary.
