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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.

Major
Notes: E · G# · BIntervals: 1P – 3M – 5P

Fingerings for EM

EA at fret 2, D at fret 2, G at fret 1
EA at fret 3, D at fret 3, G at fret 2
Elow E muted, A at fret 4, D at fret 3, B at fret 2
Elow E muted, D at fret 3, G at fret 3, B at fret 3
Elow E at fret 4, A at fret 3, B muted, high E muted
Elow E muted, A muted, D at fret 2, G at fret 1
Elow E muted, A muted, D at fret 1, G at fret 3, B at fret 4, high E at fret 3
Elow E muted, A muted, D at fret 3, G at fret 2

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.

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