The E7 guitar chord stands as a cornerstone for guitarists across genres. Think of it as a reliable and versatile tool in your musical kit, always ready to add depth and intrigue to your playing. From blues riffs to rock anthems, and even venturing into folk, soul, and funk rhythms, the E7 chord’s presence is unmistakable.
Considering its widespread utility, mastering the E7 chord is a worthwhile pursuit for any guitarist. Let’s delve into the nuances of the E7, explore various ways to voice it on the fretboard, and uncover its application in popular songs across diverse musical styles.
Decoding the E7 Chord: Unpacking the Notes
A standard E major chord is built upon three fundamental notes: E, G#, and B. The E7 chord expands on this foundation by introducing a fourth note, D. Therefore, the E7 chord is composed of E, G#, B, and D. This added D note is crucial; it’s the “7th” that transforms the E major triad into a dominant 7th chord, creating a characteristic tension. This tension arises because the D is a whole step below the root note (E), producing a harmonic pull that often seeks resolution. Now, let’s explore some practical ways to play the E7 guitar chord.
The Open Position E7 Guitar Chord: A Simple Voicing
In standard guitar tuning, achieving a rich and resonant E7 chord in the open position requires fretting just two strings.
E7 Chord Open Position (v1)
- Index finger: 1st fret of the G (3rd) string
- Middle finger: 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 lowest string to the highest: E, B, D, G#, B, E.
The iconic blues track “Boom Boom” by John Lee Hooker kicks off with an E7 chord. This chord instantly establishes the song’s mood, providing the harmonic bedrock for its irresistible rhythm and swagger. Try listening to “Boom Boom” and resist tapping your foot – it’s almost impossible! Released in 1962, “Boom Boom” profoundly influenced British musicians like Eric Clapton and The Beatles. This blues influence is evident in songs like “I Saw Her Standing There”, released by The Beatles in 1963. “I Saw Her Standing There” skillfully incorporates blues elements into an upbeat rock song, complete with catchy pop hooks and hand claps. And just like “Boom Boom,” the E7 chord serves as a foundational element.
Adding Depth: A Four-Finger Open Position E7
Once you’ve mastered the two-finger version, you can enrich the E7 sound by incorporating your ring and pinky fingers.
E7 Chord Open Position (v2)
- Index finger: 1st fret of the G (3rd) string (same as v1)
- Middle finger: 2nd fret of the A (5th) string (same as v1)
- Ring finger: 2nd fret of the D (4th) string (new!)
- Pinky finger: 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string (new!)
- Strum all six strings from the low E (6th) string downwards
This voicing yields the following notes, low to high: E, B, E, G#, D, E. Notice that the D note (the 7th) is now voiced an octave higher than in the previous two-finger formation. Positioning the 7th in this higher register makes it more prominent and cutting through the mix. It accentuates the “7th-ness” of the chord, giving it a more pronounced dominant character. This four-finger version also provides a beneficial exercise for strengthening your ring and pinky fingers.
The E7 Guitar Chord in the 5th Position
Learning the E7 chord in the 5th position offers distinct advantages. Firstly, it produces a brighter, more delicate tone compared to the open position E7. Secondly, this position can facilitate smoother transitions to and from neighboring chords within a song. Both these qualities are beautifully demonstrated in the bridge of the timeless ballad “At Last”, famously performed by Etta James. During the lyric “A dream that I can call my own,” the song features swift chord changes from D#7 to E7, and this 5th position E7 voicing is perfectly suited for executing that musical passage.
Here’s how to form the E7 chord in the 5th position:
E7 5th Position (v1)
- 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 Every Genre
The E7 guitar chord’s adaptability is remarkable, seamlessly fitting into virtually every musical genre. You can hear it in traditional tunes like “Amazing Grace” and “Oh! Susanna”. It also graces Motown classics such as “My Guy”. Moving forward in time, artists like Amy Winehouse incorporated the E7 into her contemporary blend of soul, blues, and jazz, as heard in tracks like “You Know I’m No Good”.
These are just a few examples, and countless more songs across the musical spectrum feature the E7 chord. To expand your chord vocabulary, explore Fender Play’s comprehensive chord library, delve into various chord types, and discover helpful tips for mastering them.
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