E Dominant 7th Guitar Chord (E7)
E Dominant 7th (E7) is built from E, G#, B, D, which is the 1P - 3M - 5P - 7m formula measured from the root E. This page shows 3 fingerings with fretboard diagrams.
Fingerings for E7
Notes in E7
- E1P
- G#3M
- B5P
- D7m
How to play E7
E Dominant 7th Guitar Chord (E7) is tense and unresolved, which is what makes it want to move.
Beginner tip
Mute the strings you do not play — a dominant seventh with a ringing open string loses its pull.
Practice idea
Resolve it down a fifth to the tonic and listen for the tension release.
E7 FAQ
- What notes are in E Dominant 7th?
- E Dominant 7th (E7) contains E, G#, B, D. In interval terms that is 1P - 3M - 5P - 7m above the root E.
- How do you play E7 on guitar?
- The most common shape here is "E7": low E muted, D at fret 3, B at fret 3.
- Is E7 hard for beginners?
- It sits in the seventh family. Mute the strings you do not play — a dominant seventh with a ringing open string loses its pull.