E Major Guitar Chord (EM)
E Major (EM) is built from E, G#, B, which is the 1P - 3M - 5P formula measured from the root E. This page shows 8 fingerings with fretboard diagrams.
Fingerings for EM
Notes in EM
- E1P
- G#3M
- B5P
How to play EM
E Major Guitar Chord (EM) is bright and resolved, the default sound of Western harmony.
Beginner tip
Keep your fretting-hand thumb behind the neck and press just behind the fret wire, not on top of it.
Practice idea
Loop it with the IV and V chords of the same key to hear how it functions as the tonic.
EM FAQ
- What notes are in E Major?
- E Major (EM) contains E, G#, B. In interval terms that is 1P - 3M - 5P above the root E.
- How do you play EM on guitar?
- The most common shape here is "E": A at fret 2, D at fret 2, G at fret 1.
- Is EM hard for beginners?
- It sits in the major family. Keep your fretting-hand thumb behind the neck and press just behind the fret wire, not on top of it.