E guitar chords are foundational for any guitarist, appearing across countless genres and songs. Understanding the variations of E chords, from the basic E major to more complex 9th chords, will significantly expand your musical vocabulary and playing ability. This guide will explore the essential E chords, providing diagrams, explanations, and insights into their construction and use.
E Major Chords
E Major (E)
The E major chord, often simply called “E,” is a bright and resonant chord. It’s a cornerstone of guitar playing and one of the first chords many beginners learn. Composed of the notes E, G#, and B, the E major chord has its root (E) prominently featured on the open low E string, as well as duplicated on the 4th and 1st strings in its most common open position voicing. This open voicing is powerful and versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles, from rock and blues to country and pop. Experiment with different strumming patterns and tempos to appreciate the full dynamic range of the E major chord. Explore more E Major chord variations to discover different voicings and fingerings.
E Minor Chords
E Minor (Em)
The E minor chord (Em) offers a contrasting mood to its major counterpart, providing a melancholic and often introspective feel. It shares the same root and fifth as E major (E and B), but replaces the major third (G#) with a minor third (G). This subtle change in the third interval creates the characteristic minor sound. The most common open position Em chord is relatively easy to fret and is frequently used in folk, rock ballads, and blues. Like the E major chord, the root note E is prominent on the open 6th string and repeated on the 4th and 1st strings. Delve into a wider range of Em chord shapes to expand your minor chord vocabulary.
E Dominant 7th Chords
E Dominant 7th (E7)
The E dominant 7th chord (E7) adds a bluesy and jazzy flavor to the E family. It builds upon the E major chord by adding a minor 7th interval, the note D. The notes in an E7 chord are E, G#, B, and D. The dominant 7th chord creates a sense of tension and anticipation, often resolving to an A chord in common chord progressions. The open position E7 voicing is a staple in blues, rock and roll, and country music. It’s characterized by the root note on the open 6th string and includes doubled root, third, and fifth intervals, along with the crucial minor seventh that defines its dominant character. Discover alternative voicings for E7 chords to enrich your playing.
E Major 7th Chords
E Major 7th (Emaj7)
E major 7th chords (Emaj7) bring a sophisticated and smooth quality to the E chord family. They are similar to E major chords but incorporate a major 7th interval, the note D#. The notes of Emaj7 are E, G#, B, and D#. This major 7th interval creates a gentler, more mellow sound compared to the dominant 7th. Emaj7 chords are often found in jazz, R&B, and pop music, adding a touch of elegance and harmonic richness. The diagrammed voicing features the root on the 6th string, with doubled root, third, and fifth intervals, and the characteristic major seventh. Explore different fingerings for Emaj7 chords to find the perfect voicing for your musical context.
E Minor 7th Chords
E Minor 7th (Em7)
The E minor 7th chord (Em7) combines the melancholic character of the minor chord with the added color of the 7th interval. Like Em, it contains E, G, and B, but adds a minor 7th, the note D. This results in notes E, G, B, and D for Em7. Em7 chords possess a smooth, jazzy minor sound, often used in soul, funk, and contemporary pop. It’s closely related to the Em chord, with the primary difference being the addition of the D note, typically played on the 2nd string, 3rd fret in common voicings. Expand your Em7 chord knowledge by exploring various positions and inversions.
E 6th Chords
E 6th (E6)
The E 6th chord (E6) introduces a sweet and melodic quality to the E chord family. It’s constructed by adding a major 6th interval, the note C#, to the E major triad. The notes in an E6 chord are E, G#, B, and C#. This chord retains the major tonality but gains a softer, more lyrical character. E6 chords are often used in jazz, pop, and even some country styles to create a pleasant and slightly sophisticated sound. The root note remains on the 6th string, and the chord includes the same intervals as E major plus the added major sixth.
E Minor 6th Chords
E Minor 6th (Em6)
The E minor 6th chord (Em6) blends the minor tonality with the sweetness of the 6th interval. It’s similar to Em but incorporates a major 6th, C#. Therefore, Em6 consists of the notes E, G, B, and C#. Em6 chords offer a unique flavor, combining minor sadness with a touch of major sweetness. It’s often described as having a bittersweet quality, suitable for various genres seeking a more complex minor sound. Like Em7, the difference from the basic Em is often the addition of the C# note, commonly played on the 2nd string, 2nd fret.
E 9th Chords
E 9th (E9)
E 9th chords (E9) are rich and complex chords, adding further harmonic depth to the E family. They are built upon the E dominant 7th chord by adding a major 9th interval, the note F#. The notes of an E9 chord are E, G#, B, D, and F#. E9 chords have a jazzy, bluesy, and often funky character, frequently used in rhythm guitar parts and solos. The diagrammed E9 is a movable barre chord shape with the root on the 5th string, offering versatility across the fretboard.
E Major 9th Chords
E Major 9th (Emaj9)
E major 9th chords (Emaj9) represent the most harmonically lush and extended major chord in this E series. They are constructed by adding a major 9th, F#, to the E major 7th chord. The notes of Emaj9 are E, G#, B, D#, and F#. Emaj9 chords possess a very open, airy, and sophisticated sound, often used in jazz, bossa nova, and contemporary mellow styles. The example voicing omits the 5th interval (B) for playability, but a version including the 5th is also possible (021102).
E Minor 9th Chords
E Minor 9th (Em9)
E minor 9th chords (Em9) offer a complex and beautiful extended minor sound. They are formed by adding a major 9th, F#, to the E minor 7th chord. The notes in Em9 are E, G, B, D, and F#. Em9 chords have a sophisticated, jazzy minor feel, often used in genres like jazz, neo-soul, and R&B. Similar to Emaj9, the shown voicing often omits the 5th (B) for easier fingering, but a version including the 5th can also be played (024030).
Understanding Chord Numbers: Scale Degrees in E Major and Minor
The numbers used in chord names (like 7th, 9th, 6th) refer to intervals derived from the E major and minor scales. Here’s a breakdown:
E Major Scale Degrees:
| Degree | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | E | F# | G# | A | B | C# | D# | E | F# |
As you can see, the E major triad (E, G#, B) uses the 1st, 3rd, and 5th degrees. Emaj7 adds the 7th degree (D#), and Emaj9 adds the 9th degree (F#).
E Minor Scale Degrees (Natural Minor):
| Degree | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | E | F# | G | A | B | C | D | E | F# |
The E minor triad (E, G, B) uses the 1st, b3rd (flatted 3rd), and 5th degrees.
Further extensions like 11th and 13th chords can be built using the 11th (A) and 13th (C# or C in minor context) degrees of these scales.
Chord Relationships and Construction
All E chords are built upon the root note E. In standard voicings, E is typically the lowest note. When the root is not the lowest note, the chord is considered inverted.
Chord Construction Breakdown:
| Chord | Notes |
|---|---|
| E | E – G# – B |
| Em | E – G – B |
| E7 | E – G# – B – D |
| Emaj7 | E – G# – B – D# |
| Em7 | E – G – B – D |
| E6 | E – G# – B – C# |
| Em6 | E – G – B – C# |
| E9 | E – G# – B – D – F# |
| Emaj9 | E – G# – B – D# – F# |
| Em9 | E – G – B – D – F# |
Theoretical Note Order: (Note: Guitar voicings often reorder or omit notes for playability)
| Chord | Notes |
|---|---|
| E | E – G# – B |
| Em | E – G – B |
| E7 | E – G# – B – D |
| Emaj7 | E – G# – B – D# |
| Em7 | E – G – B – D |
| E6 | E – G# – B – C# |
| Em6 | E – G – B – C# |
| E9 | E – G# – B – D – F# |
| Emaj9 | E – G# – B – D# – F# |
| Em9 | E – G – B – D – F# |
Final Thoughts on E Chords
E guitar chords are essential building blocks for guitarists of all levels. From the fundamental E major and minor chords to the richer 7th, 9th, and 6th variations, mastering these chords will unlock a vast landscape of musical possibilities. Experiment with different E chord types in your playing and explore how they can add color and depth to your music.
(For a comprehensive collection of guitar chord diagrams, consider exploring The Chord Reference ebook with over 800 chord charts.)
