E major guitar chord
The biggest-sounding open chord, with all six strings ringing. E major is also the template for the movable E-shape barre chord.
Play it
Two ways to finger E
Acoustic samples load on first play; a synth preview is used if they are still loading. Best with headphones.
Open E
Start here
E barre (7th fret)
Same chord, higher up the neck
Finger numbers are shown inside the dots. An X means “do not play this string”; an open circle means the string rings open. Audio uses acoustic guitar samples, with a synthesized fallback.
How to play E
E major is the fullest-sounding open chord: all six strings ring. It is also the template for the movable E-shape barre chord, which makes it one of the most important shapes on the guitar.
The open E shape uses the low E, A, D, and G strings, with the high E and B strings open. The result is a deep, resonant chord that works well as a song’s home base.
E is the home chord in E major and the V chord in A major. The E-shape barre chord lets you move this sound up the neck: the same fingering at the 3rd fret becomes G, at the 5th fret becomes A, and so on.
Fingering steps
- Put your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string.
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the G string.
- Strum all six strings and let the open B and high E ring.
- Check that the low E and the G string are both clear.
Why it sounds bad (and how to fix it)
The B string is muted
The ring finger on the D string may be leaning into the B string. Curl it and keep the B string open.
The G string buzzes
Your index finger may be too far from the fret. Move it closer to the fret wire and press with the tip.
The chord sounds muddy
You may be strumming too hard or letting the low E overpower the higher strings. Try a lighter strum and listen for balance.
Practice drill
- Practice E–A changes, keeping the index finger near the 1st fret.
- Try the E-shape barre at the 3rd fret (G) and compare it with the open G chord.
Use it in a progression
- E – A – E – A
- E – A – D – A
FAQ
Why is E major important for barre chords?
The open E shape is the movable E-shape barre chord. Once you can play E cleanly, you can move the same shape up the neck to play major chords in other keys.
Why does my E chord sound muddy?
The low E can overpower the other strings. Try a lighter strum and make sure the B and high E strings are ringing.
Can I play E major with only two fingers?
Some players use a simplified shape, but the standard three-finger version gives the clearest sound.
This page uses standard chord voicings. If a fingering still buzzes, the problem is usually the hand position, not the diagram.