Major · beginner

E major(E)

E major uses all six strings and forms the foundation of the movable E-shape barre chord family. It's also one of the most forgiving chords to strum.

Notes

EG#B

Intervals

R35

Finger placement

  1. 1Middle finger (2): 2nd fret of the A string.
  2. 2Ring finger (3): 2nd fret of the D string.
  3. 3Index finger (1): 1st fret of the G string.
Practice this chord →
Open position
231EBEG#BE

The parent shape of the F barre chord — everything you learn here transfers.

Common mistakes

  • The index finger presses too far behind the 1st fret and buzzes.
  • Fingers 2 and 3 swap positions.

Coaching tips

  • All six strings ring — one of the few chords where you can strum freely.
  • Fret close behind each fret wire for the clearest tone with the least pressure.

Troubleshooting

G string buzzes

Slide the index finger closer to the 1st fret wire. Distance from the fret is the most common cause of buzz.

Easier alternatives

  • Em (lift the index finger)

Related guides

How close should your fingers be to the fret?

The physics of fret placement: where to put your fingertip for the clearest note with the least pressure.

How to tune a guitar for beginners

Standard EADGBE tuning with a chromatic tuner: which string is which, how to approach pitch from below, and why you re-check after every pass.

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the E major chord?

E major contains E, G#, B — the intervals R, 3, 5 from the root E.

Is E major a beginner chord?

E major is rated beginner. E major uses all six strings and forms the foundation of the movable E-shape barre chord family. It's also one of the most forgiving chords to strum.

E major: g string buzzes — what should I do?

Slide the index finger closer to the 1st fret wire. Distance from the fret is the most common cause of buzz.