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.

7th
Notes: E · G# · B · DIntervals: 1P – 3M – 5P – 7m

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.