The E7 Guitar chord. Just those two characters can evoke a world of musical possibilities. It’s a chord that resonates deeply in blues, yet feels equally at home in rock, folk, soul, and funk. Think of it as the versatile spice in your musical kitchen, ready to add flavor to countless songs.
If the E7 isn’t already a go-to chord in your playing, now is the perfect time to change that. Let’s dive into the essence of the E7, explore different ways to bring it to life on your guitar, and see how it’s woven into the fabric of diverse musical styles.
Decoding the E7: What Notes Are We Playing?
To truly understand the E7 guitar chord, let’s break down its components. A standard E major chord is built from three notes: E, G#, and B. The E7 chord takes this foundation and adds a crucial fourth note: D. This D note is the ‘7th’ that gives the chord its distinctive character. The combination of E, G#, B, and D creates a dominant 7th chord.
The magic of the E7 lies in that D note. Being just a whole step away from the root note (E), it introduces a musical tension, a yearning for resolution that makes the E7 so compelling and expressive. Let’s explore some practical ways to form this essential chord on your guitar fretboard.
E7 Guitar Chord in Open Position: Simple and Classic
One of the most accessible and sonically rich ways to play the E7 is in the open position. In standard guitar tuning, achieving a full, resonant E7 is surprisingly simple, requiring just two fingers.
Open Position E7 (Version 1)
- Index finger: Press down on the 1st fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Middle finger: Press down on the 2nd fret of the A string (5th string).
- Strum: Play all six strings, starting from the low E string (6th string).
This configuration produces the following notes, from the lowest string to the highest: E, B, D, G#, B, E.
This simple E7 voicing is the backbone of countless songs. Listen to how John Lee Hooker kicks off his iconic track “Boom Boom” with the E7. It instantly sets the mood, establishing the song’s infectious rhythm and swagger. Released in 1962, “Boom Boom” had a profound impact, influencing British Invasion bands like The Beatles and Eric Clapton. You can hear echoes of this blues influence in The Beatles’ early rock and roll, for example in “I Saw Her Standing There” from 1963. This song takes blues sensibilities and blends them into an energetic rock anthem with catchy pop hooks, all grounded in the foundational E7 chord.
Adding Depth: A Fuller Open Position E7
Once you’ve mastered the basic open E7, you can enrich its sound and add a bit more complexity by incorporating your ring and pinky fingers.
Open Position E7 (Version 2)
- Index finger: 1st fret of the G string (3rd string) (same as Version 1).
- Middle finger: 2nd fret of the A string (5th string) (same as Version 1).
- Ring finger: 2nd fret of the D string (4th string) (new!).
- Pinky finger: 3rd fret of the B string (2nd string) (new!).
- Strum: Play all six strings, starting from the low E string (6th string).
This expanded formation gives you 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 compared to the first version. This higher register D makes the “7th” sound more prominent and cutting. It adds a brighter, more pronounced dominant 7th character to the chord. Beyond the sonic enhancement, this version is also a great exercise for developing strength and dexterity in your ring and pinky fingers.
E7 Guitar Chord at the 5th Position: A Different Flavor
Moving up the neck, the E7 chord takes on a new sonic dimension. The 5th position E7 offers a brighter, more delicate tone compared to its open position counterparts. It can also facilitate smoother chord transitions within certain musical contexts. A perfect example of this is in the bridge of the timeless ballad “At Last”, famously performed by Etta James. During the line “A dream that I can call my own,” the song features quick chord changes between D#7 and E7. The 5th position E7 is ideally suited for executing this musical phrase with elegance and fluidity.
Here’s how to play the E7 chord in the 5th position:
5th Position E7 (Version 1)
- Index finger: 5th fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Middle finger: 6th fret of the D string (4th string).
- Ring finger: 7th fret of the A string (5th string).
- Pinky finger: 7th fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Strum: Play all six strings, starting from the low E string (6th string).
E7: A Chord for Every Genre
The E7 guitar chord’s versatility is truly remarkable. It’s a chameleon chord that adapts effortlessly to diverse musical landscapes. You’ll find it gracing traditional songs like “Amazing Grace” and “Oh! Susanna”. It adds a touch of soul to Motown classics like “My Guy”. Even modern artists who blend soul, blues, and jazz, such as Amy Winehouse, utilize the E7 to create contemporary sounds in tracks like “You Know I’m No Good”.
The E7 is far more than just a blues chord; it’s a foundational element in a vast spectrum of musical styles.
To explore more variations of the E7 and other guitar chords, delve into resources like Fender Play’s chord library, where you can expand your chord knowledge and discover tips for mastering them.
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